What Is The Number One Healthiest Water?

October 26, 2025 •

5 min read

Globally, 115 million people still collect untreated surface water, highlighting significant water safety differences. In the search to determine what is the number one healthiest water, it becomes clear there is no single answer, but a spectrum of choices based on individual needs and priorities.

Quick Summary

This article explores different types of drinking water, from filtered tap to bottled spring and alkaline options. Factors like purification methods, mineral content, and environmental impact are examined to help you determine the best choice for your health and hydration goals.

Key Points

No Single 'Number One': The 'healthiest' water depends on individual needs, location, and priorities, as there is no universal best choice.
Filtered Tap Water: A highly cost-effective and eco-friendly option, home water filters can remove contaminants like chlorine, lead, and PFAS, providing clean and safe drinking water.
Mineral-Rich Waters: Spring and mineral waters offer naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can support bone density and heart health, but are more expensive and often packaged in plastic.
Advanced Filtration: Reverse osmosis provides an extremely high level of purity by removing contaminants, but it also strips beneficial minerals unless a remineralization cartridge is used.
Alkaline Water Controversy: Claims about alkaline water's superior health benefits are not widely supported by scientific evidence, as the body has natural systems to regulate its pH.
Hydration is Key: The most important aspect of water consumption is drinking a sufficient amount of safe, uncontaminated water regularly, regardless of the type.

Determining what is the number one healthiest water is a complex question with no single, definitive answer. The 'best' choice depends on various factors, including your location, health needs, budget, and environmental concerns. Instead of a single winner, it's more accurate to understand the pros and cons of each water type and determine the right fit for your lifestyle. This guide breaks down the most popular choices to help you make an informed decision.

The Case for Filtered Tap Water

For many, the most accessible and sustainable option is tap water, enhanced with a home filtration system. Municipal tap water is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US and similar bodies elsewhere, ensuring it meets safety standards. However, contaminants like chlorine, lead from old pipes, and 'forever chemicals' (PFAS) can still be present. This is where a filter becomes beneficial.

Benefits of Home Filtration

Improved Purity: Filters, such as activated carbon or reverse osmosis (RO), can remove a wider range of contaminants than basic municipal treatment. Carbon filters are effective against chlorine, while RO offers more comprehensive purification, tackling heavy metals and other pollutants.
Better Taste and Odor: Many people dislike the taste and smell of chlorine in tap water. Filters effectively remove these, resulting in a cleaner, more refreshing taste.
Cost-Effectiveness: While there is an initial investment in a filtration system, filtered tap water is significantly cheaper per gallon than bottled water in the long run.
Environmental Impact: Choosing a home filter over bottled water drastically reduces plastic waste, a major environmental problem.

The Allure of Mineral-Rich Waters

Many people prefer water that comes with naturally occurring minerals, believing it offers additional health benefits. Both spring and mineral water fall into this category.

Spring Water

Sourced from underground aquifers that naturally flow to the surface, spring water is naturally filtered by rock and earth.

Key Characteristics: Contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which contribute to its taste and health benefits.
Purity: While often pure at the source, the overall safety can depend on the specific location and the bottling process. It's crucial to choose reputable brands.
Benefits: The mineral content supports hydration and can aid in maintaining electrolyte balance, especially for active individuals.

Mineral Water

Defined by a higher concentration of naturally occurring minerals, mineral water is bottled at the source and cannot have minerals added.

Key Characteristics: Must contain at least 250 parts per million of dissolved minerals according to FDA standards.
Benefits: Studies have linked mineral water to stronger bones (due to high calcium), improved digestion, and even lower blood pressure (with high magnesium).
Considerations: Can be expensive and is sold in plastic bottles, contributing to environmental concerns.

The Purity of Purified and Distilled Water

For those seeking the highest level of purity, purified and distilled water are common choices. They undergo advanced processes to remove virtually all substances.

The Purification Process

Reverse Osmosis (RO): Water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane to remove dissolved solids, heavy metals, and chemicals. Some modern RO systems include a remineralization stage to add back beneficial minerals.
Distillation: Water is boiled, and the resulting steam is collected and condensed back into liquid, leaving all minerals and impurities behind.

The Mineral Debate

Both RO and distilled water are stripped of beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium, which some people argue makes them less healthy for regular, long-term consumption. However, our primary source of minerals should be food, so the impact is often negligible. For those concerned, a remineralization filter can restore a healthy balance to RO water.

Evaluating Alkaline Water

Alkaline water has gained popularity due to its higher pH (8-9.5), which proponents claim can neutralize acidity in the body.

What is Alkaline Water?

Higher pH: Regular water has a neutral pH of 7, while alkaline water is less acidic, either naturally (from mineral springs) or artificially (from ionizers).
Added Minerals: Many alkaline waters are artificially enhanced with minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Scientific Consensus and Considerations

Limited Evidence: Scientific evidence for most alkaline water health claims—such as fighting disease or providing superior hydration—is weak or unproven.
Body's Natural Regulation: The human body has natural mechanisms involving the kidneys and lungs to regulate blood pH, making any impact from alkaline water temporary.
Risks: Excessive consumption could potentially disrupt the body's natural pH balance.

Comparison of Water Types


Feature	Filtered Tap	Spring Water	Mineral Water	Reverse Osmosis	Alkaline Water
Purity	High (depends on filter)	Varies (depends on source)	High	Very High	High (with filters)
Mineral Content	Varies (depends on source/filter)	Natural (varies)	High (regulated)	None (unless remineralized)	Added (for artificial) / Natural (for spring)
Cost	Low (after filter purchase)	Moderate to High	High	Moderate (system)	Moderate to High
Sustainability	Very High	Low (single-use plastic)	Low (single-use plastic)	High (reusable)	Low (bottled) / Moderate (at-home system)
Taste	Clean, fresh (with filter)	Crisp, refreshing	Creamy, salty	Flat, bland	Smooth

The Best Choice: Safe, Adequate, and Mindful Hydration

There is no true 'number one healthiest water' for everyone. The best choice is a safe, clean source that you enjoy drinking, ensuring you stay adequately hydrated throughout the day. For many, a quality home filter on their tap water provides the perfect balance of safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental responsibility.

For those who prefer a specific taste or have a genuine need for extra minerals, spring or mineral water can be beneficial, but be mindful of the added cost and plastic waste. If you are concerned about contaminants, a high-quality RO system is the most effective purification method, especially if it includes a remineralization stage. The key takeaway is to choose a water source you trust and make consistent hydration a priority. Ultimately, drinking enough water from a safe source is far more critical than the specific type you choose.

For more information on general hydration needs, see the Harvard Health article on how much water to drink per day.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the quest to find the number one healthiest water leads to a personalized conclusion. The right choice is the one that aligns with your health goals, budget, and environmental values. Prioritizing safe, regular hydration from a trusted source, whether filtered tap or a naturally sourced alternative, is the most important step toward better health. Consider your local tap water report, your budget, and the impact of single-use plastics before making your decision. Staying mindful of your choices helps not only your body but also the planet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. In many developed countries, tap water is more strictly regulated and often just as safe as bottled water. Bottled water is also a significant source of plastic waste and may contain microplastics. A home filtration system can make tap water purer and safer than many bottled alternatives.

Purified water, like that from reverse osmosis, has been stripped of almost all impurities and minerals, resulting in a neutral pH of 7. Alkaline water, conversely, has a higher pH (typically 8-9.5) and often contains added alkaline minerals. Purified water focuses on contaminant removal, while alkaline water emphasizes pH level.

For most healthy individuals, drinking RO water is not harmful because our primary source of essential minerals comes from food. However, long-term exclusive consumption of demineralized water might impact mineral balance. This can be mitigated by using a remineralization filter or ensuring a mineral-rich diet.

Yes, excessive consumption of alkaline water can potentially lead to a condition called metabolic alkalosis, disrupting the body's natural pH balance. It can cause digestive issues or low potassium levels, especially in those with kidney problems. The body is naturally equipped to regulate its pH, and the effects of alkaline water are often temporary.

Home water filters, especially activated carbon filters, are highly effective at removing chlorine and other organic compounds that cause unpleasant tastes and odors in tap water. This results in a cleaner, fresher, and more neutral taste that many find preferable.

First, you can check your local Consumer Confidence Report to understand your municipal water quality. If you have concerns, a home filtration system is a great option. Activated carbon filters are good for basic purification, while reverse osmosis provides the highest level of contaminant removal.

While mineral water and hard tap water contain beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium, they typically provide a small fraction of your daily needs. They are a supplement to, not a replacement for, a healthy and balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods.