What is the Safest Bottled Water Brand? A Comprehensive Guide

November 13, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a Consumer Reports study, 91% of tested bottled water brands had detectable levels of PFAS, highlighting the importance of understanding water purity beyond the marketing. The question of what is the safest bottled water brand requires examining not just the source, but also processing methods and packaging materials to ensure what you drink is truly clean.

Quick Summary

This guide evaluates the safety of bottled water by investigating key factors like PFAS, microplastics, and packaging materials. An in-depth analysis of processing methods and brand reputations offers clarity for consumers seeking the purest and safest hydration option.

Key Points

Packaging is Key: Choose bottled water in glass, aluminum, or carton containers to avoid chemical leaching from plastic, including microplastics and BPA.
Check for Contaminants: Prioritize brands that test for and report low or non-detectable levels of PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances).
Look for Reputable Brands: Brands like Mountain Valley and Saratoga, known for using glass and having clean test records, are often safer choices than many popular plastic-bottled varieties.
Consider At-Home Filtration: For the most control over water purity and to reduce environmental impact, a home filtration system combined with a reusable bottle is often the best option.
Read the Label Carefully: Understand the difference between water types (purified, spring, mineral) and what processing methods have been used, such as reverse osmosis.
Be Wary of Marketing: Don't assume bottled water is automatically safer or purer than tap water; many bottlers use filtered municipal water and are not subject to the same scrutiny.

Understanding the Layers of Bottled Water Safety

Many consumers turn to bottled water believing it to be a safer, purer alternative to tap water. However, the reality is far more complex. The safety of bottled water is determined by several factors, including the source of the water, the purification process it undergoes, and the materials used for packaging. Unlike municipal tap water, which is often subject to strict public health regulations, the standards for bottled water can vary. Concerns like industrial chemicals, microplastics, and PFAS have become significant issues, prompting consumers to scrutinize their choices more closely.

The Real Threats: PFAS, Microplastics, and Chemical Leaching

Recent years have seen increased attention on the health risks associated with bottled water. Two of the most prominent threats are Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and microplastics.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

PFAS are a class of synthetic chemicals that are persistent in the environment and have been linked to various health problems. A Consumer Reports study found that numerous popular bottled water brands contained detectable levels of these "forever chemicals," sometimes above recommended safety levels. This highlights that even water sourced from seemingly pristine locations can be contaminated during production or from the broader environment.

The Problem with Plastic: Microplastics and Chemical Leaching

Most bottled water is sold in plastic bottles made from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). Over time, or when exposed to heat, this plastic can leach chemicals, including microplastics, phthalates, and bisphenols, into the water. The small particles of plastic known as microplastics have been found in numerous bottled water products and their long-term health effects are still being studied. For this reason, many health-conscious consumers seek alternatives to plastic packaging.

Safest Brands: Focusing on Purity and Packaging

For those prioritizing maximum purity and minimal exposure to plastic-related contaminants, several brands stand out. These companies often utilize glass or aluminum packaging and invest in rigorous testing to ensure their product is as clean as possible. Some of the top contenders based on reported test results and packaging include:

Mountain Valley Spring Water: Sourced from the Ouachita Mountains and bottled in glass, this brand has historically tested free of detectable contaminants like PFAS. Their use of glass bottles eliminates concerns about plastic leaching. They also offer a home delivery service with returnable, reusable glass bottles, making it an eco-friendly option.
Saratoga Spring Water: Another brand that has tested free of detectable PFAS and uses glass bottles. Sourced from springs in New York, it is a consistent choice for purity and responsible packaging.
Boxed Water: As the name suggests, this brand uses a plant-based carton packaging that is largely free of plastic. It is purified using reverse osmosis and has tested free of detectable PFAS. This offers a good option for those concerned about both plastics and sustainability.
Liquid Death: A spring water brand sold in aluminum cans, offering another plastic-free alternative. Aluminum cans are highly recyclable and do not pose the same leaching risks as plastic bottles. While some taste tests have noted a slight metallic flavor, its packaging is a clear advantage from a safety perspective.
Evian Natural Spring Water: Sourced from the French Alps, Evian has been confirmed to have no detectable PFAS levels. While it is often sold in plastic bottles, glass options are available. However, some analyses have found it to have a higher mineral content, which might be a consideration for those on low-sodium diets.

Comparison of Prominent Bottled Water Brands

To make an informed decision, it's helpful to compare brands side-by-side based on safety criteria. This table contrasts some popular brands, including both those with clean test results and those that have faced scrutiny.


Brand	Source	Packaging	PFAS Status	Purification Method	Notes
Mountain Valley	Ouachita Mountains (USA)	Glass & BPA-free Plastic	No detectable PFAS	Spring Water (Untouched)	Praised for purity; eco-friendly glass option
Saratoga	Saratoga Springs (USA)	Glass	No detectable PFAS	Spring Water	Good glass-bottled, PFAS-free option
Evian	French Alps	Plastic & Glass	No detectable PFAS	Natural Spring Water	Higher mineral content may affect taste; glass option available
Boxed Water	Municipal (purified)	Cardboard Box	No detectable PFAS	Reverse Osmosis	Eco-friendly carton packaging; pure water profile
Liquid Death	Austrian Alps	Aluminum Cans	No detectable PFAS	Spring Water	Plastic-free, highly recyclable cans
Aquafina	Municipal (purified)	Plastic	< 1 ppt PFAS	Reverse Osmosis	Low mineral content; relies on plastic packaging
Dasani	Municipal (purified)	Recycled Plastic	< 1 ppt PFAS	Reverse Osmosis with minerals added	Adds minerals for taste; relies on plastic packaging
Fiji	Artesian (Fiji)	Plastic	< 1 ppt PFAS	Artesian Spring Water	Potential for plastic leaching and travel-related contamination

Choosing the Safest Bottled Water: A Proactive Approach

Making the safest choice for bottled water involves being proactive. First, consider the packaging. Glass, aluminum, and cartons are generally superior to plastic in terms of chemical leaching. Second, look for brands that publicly report their water quality testing results. Some brands specifically mention testing for contaminants like PFAS, giving consumers more transparency. Lastly, evaluate the water type. While natural spring and mineral waters can offer beneficial electrolytes, highly-purified water that undergoes processes like reverse osmosis and distillation often has the lowest levels of dissolved solids and contaminants.

Ultimately, the 'safest' option may not be bottled water at all. For most consumers, investing in a high-quality home filtration system, such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter, is the most effective and cost-efficient way to ensure pure drinking water. Using a reusable glass or stainless steel bottle with filtered tap water avoids both the contaminants of concern in some bottled brands and the environmental impact of single-use packaging.

Conclusion: Your Safest Bet

When considering what is the safest bottled water brand, it's clear that brands prioritizing non-plastic packaging and transparent, contaminant-free processing are the top contenders. Mountain Valley Spring Water and Saratoga, with their glass bottles and clean test results, offer an excellent choice for purity. For a widely available alternative that avoids plastic, look for brands using aluminum or carton packaging. However, the most consistent and environmentally-friendly path to safe hydration for most people is through reliable home filtration and reusable bottles.

Reference: For more on the health risks of bottled water, see the Consumer Reports investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brands that have tested free of detectable PFAS include Saratoga Spring Water, Hallstein, Mountain Valley Spring Water, Evian Natural Spring Water, Arrowhead Spring Water, and Boxed Water.

Yes, glass and aluminum are considered safer packaging materials than plastic. They do not leach potentially harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, or microplastics into the water, a common issue with plastic bottles, especially when exposed to heat.

Yes, studies have shown that many bottled water brands contain microplastics, which can shed from plastic packaging into the water. To avoid microplastics, it is best to choose water bottled in non-plastic containers like glass or metal.

The safety of purified vs. spring water depends on the specific brand and its testing. Purified water undergoes extensive treatment (like reverse osmosis) to remove contaminants, while spring water is filtered naturally but retains minerals. Both can be safe, but purified water typically has fewer dissolved solids and contaminants. The container material is a more significant safety factor.

In many regions, municipal tap water is more strictly regulated and consistently tested than bottled water. The FDA's bottled water standards may not be as stringent as EPA rules for tap water, and bottlers can sometimes avoid federal standards by operating within a single state.

Yes, using a reusable bottle made from stainless steel or glass and filling it with filtered tap water is often the safest and most eco-friendly option. It gives you control over the water source and avoids the chemicals and waste associated with single-use plastic bottles.

Brands that have shown higher levels of contaminants in tests, particularly in plastic bottles, should be approached with caution. Brands found to have elevated PFAS levels in some analyses, such as Topo Chico and Perrier (sparkling variants tested), might be avoided by health-conscious consumers.