Understanding Bottled Water Regulations in the US
When evaluating bottled water, it is important to understand the regulatory landscape. In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating bottled water, while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees public tap water. By federal law, FDA regulations for bottled water must be at least as stringent as the EPA’s standards for tap water. However, this does not guarantee bottled water is automatically safer. In fact, due to the different regulatory requirements, tap water is often subject to more frequent and rigorous testing than bottled water.
The Rise of Contaminants in Bottled Water
Despite FDA regulations, recent reports highlight concerning issues with bottled water quality. The two primary contaminants of concern are microplastics and PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.”
- Microplastics: A 2018 study found that 93% of bottled water samples from around the world showed microplastic contamination, suggesting it likely comes from packaging and bottling processes. A more recent study from January 2024 revealed even higher levels of nanoplastics, emphasizing that plastic bottles can be a significant source of plastic particles in our bodies.
- PFAS (Forever Chemicals): These synthetic chemicals are known for their persistence in the environment and are linked to various health issues. A 2025 study found that many bottled water brands in the US contain detectable levels of PFAS, with some exceeding recommended safety thresholds.
Factors for Choosing the Safest Bottled Water
With these risks in mind, selecting the safest bottled water involves more than just picking a familiar brand. Here are the key factors to consider:
1. Source and Purification Method
Water source and treatment play a crucial role in its final purity. There are several categories of bottled water, each with different safety profiles:
- Purified Water: This type, often sourced from municipal tap water, undergoes extensive treatment via reverse osmosis, distillation, or deionization to remove virtually all contaminants and minerals. Brands like Aquafina and Dasani use reverse osmosis, though some, like Dasani, add minerals back for taste.
- Spring Water: Collected from an underground formation that naturally flows to the surface, spring water retains natural minerals. However, its mineral composition and purity can vary, and it is not necessarily purer than treated tap water.
- Distilled Water: This is the purest form of water, with all minerals and contaminants removed through boiling and condensation. While safe, it can have a flat taste due to the lack of minerals. Distilled water is often recommended for infants to avoid mineral overdose from formula.
2. Packaging Material
The container is a critical factor for minimizing exposure to microplastics and other chemicals that can leach from plastic over time. Glass and aluminum are the safest packaging choices.
- Glass Bottles: Brands like Mountain Valley Spring Water, Acqua Panna, and Saratoga offer their products in glass, which is inert and non-leaching.
- Aluminum Cans: A growing number of brands, such as Liquid Death and Path Water, use aluminum cans. These are not only 100% recyclable but also eliminate the risk of plastic contamination.
3. Independent Test Results and Brand Transparency
Reliable, independent lab tests provide the most accurate picture of water quality. Several brands have been specifically noted for low or non-detectable levels of contaminants like PFAS.
- Low/No-PFAS Brands: Saratoga Spring Water, Mountain Valley Spring Water, Arrowhead Spring Water, Evian, and Boxed Water have all shown non-detectable or very low PFAS levels in testing.
Comparison of Bottled Water Types
To help you decide, here is a comparison of different types of bottled water based on safety, mineral content, and taste.
| Feature | Purified Water | Spring Water | Distilled Water | Glass-Bottled Spring Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety Consistency | High (consistent) | Variable (depends on source) | Highest (no minerals or contaminants) | High (packaging is safer) |
| Microplastics Risk | Low (if processed correctly), but high if in plastic bottle | High (if in plastic bottle) | Low to None | Low to None (no plastic) |
| PFAS Risk | Varies by source and treatment; some brands are low/none | Varies; some brands are low/none | Highest PFAS removal rate | Varies by source; some brands are low/none |
| Mineral Content | Low to None (sometimes added back) | Natural minerals present | None | Natural minerals present |
| Taste | Neutral, clean | Varies, often crisp | Flat | Varies by mineral content |
| Best For | Consistent purity | Natural mineral taste | Mixing baby formula, detoxing | Purity and taste without plastic |
Brands to Approach with Caution
Not all bottled water brands maintain a consistently high safety record. Some reports indicate issues with popular brands that consumers should be aware of:
- Fiji: In March 2024, approximately 1.9 million bottles of Fiji Natural Artesian Water were recalled from Amazon customers due to the presence of manganese and bacteria. While the health risk was deemed low by the FDA, the incident highlights potential quality control issues.
- Brands with Arsenic: A 2019 report by Consumer Reports found detectable levels of arsenic in brands including Whole Foods' Starkey, Keurig Dr Pepper's Peñafiel, and Crystal Geyser Alpine Spring Water.
The Safest Choice: How to Maximize Purity
Ultimately, the absolute safest bottled water is one that combines rigorous purification with inert packaging. Mountain Valley Spring Water, with its high ratings, PFAS-free status, and use of glass bottles, is consistently cited as one of the best options. For pure, additive-free water, many people also opt for brands that come in aluminum cans or glass bottles to avoid plastic contamination.
However, for those seeking the ultimate control over purity and minimizing environmental impact, filtering your own tap water at home is the most dependable solution. High-quality systems like reverse osmosis filters (e.g., iSpring RCC7) or advanced filter pitchers (e.g., ZeroWater) can effectively remove a wide range of contaminants, including PFAS, heavy metals, and microplastics, providing consistently safe drinking water right from your tap.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice
Deciding on the safest bottled water involves a careful consideration of various factors, including the source, treatment, and packaging. While federal regulations exist, they do not eliminate all risks from microplastics, PFAS, or other contaminants. Choosing water from transparent brands that use glass or aluminum and prioritizing purified or distilled water can significantly increase safety. For the most reliable and environmentally friendly option, filtering your tap water at home is the best long-term strategy.
