Understanding the Types of Bottled Water
Choosing the cleanest bottled water isn't as simple as picking a fancy label off the shelf. The term "clean" can refer to different aspects of water quality, from a lack of contaminants to the presence of beneficial minerals. To make an informed decision, it's essential to understand the primary types of bottled water available and how they are processed.
Distilled Water
Distillation is a purification process that involves boiling water and then condensing the steam back into liquid, leaving behind contaminants, minerals, and other solids. This results in water with a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) measurement of 0 ppm, making it the purest form of water in terms of mineral and contaminant content. However, the lack of minerals also gives it a flat, neutral taste that some people find unappealing. For applications where mineral buildup is undesirable, such as in humidifiers or laboratory equipment, distilled water is the ideal choice.
Purified Water (Reverse Osmosis)
Purified water undergoes a multi-stage filtration process that typically includes reverse osmosis (RO), deionization, and carbon filtration. These processes are designed to remove virtually all impurities and contaminants, including heavy metals, chemicals like chlorine and fluoride, and other inorganic minerals. The result is a highly pure product with a low TDS level, similar to distilled water. Many brands that sell purified water, such as Aquafina, start with municipal tap water before subjecting it to this rigorous purification.
Spring Water
Spring water is sourced from an underground aquifer and naturally flows to the surface. Unlike purified water, it is not stripped of its mineral content. Instead, it is collected at the source and typically undergoes minimal processing, such as carbon filtration and UV light disinfection, to ensure it is free of bacteria and particulates. The mineral content and pH balance of spring water can vary depending on its geographical source. Some brands, like Mountain Valley Spring Water, are prized for their naturally occurring minerals and balanced pH.
Mineral Water
Mineral water is also sourced from an underground, naturally protected source but contains a specific mineral profile that gives it a distinct taste. Regulations require that mineral water retains its original purity and mineral composition from the source, with no added minerals. Brands like Evian and Fiji fall into this category, with their water's unique taste and mineral content being a key selling point. The total dissolved solids (TDS) in mineral water are often higher than in purified water due to the natural presence of minerals.
How to Measure Purity
To determine the cleanest bottled water, you need to understand how purity is measured. Here are the key metrics:
- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): This measures the concentration of all inorganic and organic substances dissolved in the water. A lower TDS number generally indicates a higher level of purity. For instance, purified water and distilled water have a very low TDS, while mineral and spring waters will have higher, naturally occurring TDS levels.
- Filtration Methods: The process a brand uses significantly impacts its cleanliness. Look for brands that utilize reverse osmosis or distillation, as these are the most effective at removing a wide range of impurities.
- Third-Party Testing and Transparency: Reputable brands will often publish their water quality reports or use third-party testing to ensure their product meets or exceeds safety standards. Transparency about sourcing and treatment is a key indicator of a brand's commitment to cleanliness.
Comparison of Popular Bottled Water Types
| Feature | Distilled Water | Purified Water (RO) | Spring Water | Mineral Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purity Level | Extremely High | High | Varies (Natural) | High (Natural) |
| TDS Level | 0 ppm | Very Low (e.g., Aquafina: 1 ppm) | Variable (e.g., Fiji: 131 ppm) | Variable (e.g., Evian: 283 ppm) |
| Mineral Content | None (removed) | None (removed), sometimes added back | Naturally Occurring | Naturally Occurring (Higher) |
| Source | Municipal water | Municipal or Groundwater | Natural Underground Aquifer | Natural Underground Aquifer |
| Taste | Flat, Neutral | Clean, Crisp | Variable, Mineral-rich | Distinctive, Mineral-rich |
| Health Concerns | Can leach minerals from the body over time | Lack of beneficial minerals; taste can vary with additives | Potential for trace contaminants, depending on source | High mineral content may be unsuitable for some diets |
| Best For | Humidifiers, appliances | Clean, flavor-neutral hydration | Enjoying natural mineral taste | Those who prefer specific mineral profiles |
Top Contenders for the Cleanest Bottled Water
If your primary goal is the absolute removal of impurities, then purified water processed via reverse osmosis or distillation is the winner. Aquafina and Smartwater are examples of purified waters that boast low TDS. Conversely, if you prioritize naturally sourced water with a high mineral content and alkaline pH, brands like Icelandic Glacial and Mountain Valley Spring Water are excellent choices. Icelandic Glacial is naturally filtered through volcanic rock and has a naturally high pH, while Mountain Valley is sourced from a protected spring and is bottled in glass. For environmentally conscious consumers, boxed water brands like Boxed Water or canned options like Liquid Death offer purified water in more sustainable packaging.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the cleanest bottled water you can get depends on your personal priorities. If you are seeking the absolute absence of total dissolved solids and contaminants, distilled or reverse osmosis purified water is your best bet. If you prefer natural minerals and a higher pH, a high-quality spring or mineral water brand is more suitable. In an era where bottled water purity is increasingly under scrutiny for issues like microplastics and contaminants, understanding the sourcing and filtration process is crucial. To ensure both purity and taste, consider brands with transparent third-party testing and eco-friendly packaging, or for the highest control, opt for a high-quality home filtration system to purify your tap water.
