What's the Cleanest Sparkling Water? A Guide to Finding Pure Fizz

According to Consumer Reports, many popular sparkling water brands have tested positive for PFAS, or “forever chemicals”. This discovery has led many consumers to question the purity of their favorite bubbly beverages and ask, "What's the cleanest sparkling water?"

Quick Summary

This guide reveals the brands with the lowest levels of contaminants, explains common water purity concerns, and provides tips for choosing the purest sparkling water based on sourcing and filtration methods.

Key Points

• Source Matters: The cleanest sparkling water often comes from protected natural springs or highly purified municipal water sources.

• Seek Transparency: Reputable brands provide detailed information on their water source, filtration methods, and recent quality test results.

• Check for PFAS: Some popular brands, like Topo Chico and Polar, have tested higher for PFAS, while others like Mountain Valley and Proud Source show non-detectable levels.

• Prioritize Filtration: Reverse Osmosis and activated carbon filtration are effective at removing contaminants, including 'forever chemicals'.

• DIY is Purest: Making your own sparkling water at home with a carbonation machine and a high-quality water filter gives you the most control over purity.

• Packaging Impacts Purity: Glass and aluminum containers are often preferred over plastic due to concerns about chemical leaching.

Understanding Contaminants in Sparkling Water

Many consumers believe sparkling water is a universally healthy alternative to soda. However, recent testing has revealed that some brands contain concerning levels of contaminants, such as PFAS and other chemicals. Understanding the types of potential impurities and how they get into your water is the first step toward making a safer choice.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals used in various industries and found in everything from non-stick cookware to food packaging. They are nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they break down very slowly over time. Studies have linked high levels of PFAS exposure to several health issues, including thyroid problems, liver damage, and an increased risk of certain cancers. These chemicals can seep into ground and surface water, eventually making their way into bottled and canned products.

Other Potential Impurities

Beyond PFAS, other contaminants can affect the purity of sparkling water. Naturally sourced mineral waters might contain varying levels of heavy metals like arsenic, depending on the geology of the spring. Furthermore, products with added flavorings, even those labeled “natural,” may contain undisclosed additives or other compounds that can cause stomach upset or other issues for sensitive individuals.

How to Assess Water Purity

Determining the cleanest sparkling water requires looking beyond the marketing claims on the label. The source of the water and the treatment process are the two most critical factors.

Look at the Source

• Protected Springs: Water from protected, deep underground sources is generally less susceptible to surface contamination. Brands that bottle water at the source often have a more consistent purity profile.
• Municipal Water: Many seltzers and sparkling waters use municipal tap water as their base, which is then filtered and carbonated. While often safe, the initial quality depends on the public water system, and brands may not be required to disclose this information fully.

Consider the Filtration

• Reverse Osmosis (RO): This is one of the most effective methods for removing contaminants, including PFAS, heavy metals, and other chemicals. Many of the cleanest brands use RO filtration.
• Activated Carbon: Granular activated carbon (GAC) filters are also effective at removing PFAS and other organic compounds. Some brands and many home carbonation systems use this method.

Prioritize Transparency

The most trustworthy brands are transparent about their water sourcing and filtration methods. Look for companies that publish recent water quality reports or partner with independent testing and certification bodies like NSF International. This willingness to provide data is a strong indicator of a commitment to purity.

Leading Brands in Purity: A Comparison

Based on independent tests and company transparency regarding PFAS and other contaminants, here is a comparison of several popular brands.

Brand	Water Source	Filtration Method	PFAS Levels (approx. ppt)	Noteworthy
Mountain Valley	Naturally Occurring Spring	Not specified, emphasis on natural source	Non-detectable	Bottled in glass; naturally alkaline
Proud Source	Naturally Occurring Spring	Not specified, publishes annual water reports	Non-detectable	Packaged in infinitely recyclable aluminum
Sound	Unknown	Not specified	Non-detectable	Adds organic tea botanicals and fruit extracts
Nixie	Unknown	Reverse Osmosis	0	Organic ingredients, no artificial solvents
Aura Bora	Unknown	Reverse Osmosis	0	Uses plant-based essences for unique flavors
Waterloo	Ultra-filtered from regional sources	Ultra-filtration, undisclosed specifics	0	BPA-free cans, regional sourcing
Spindrift	Unknown	Not specified	0.19	Flavored with real fruit juice
S. Pellegrino	Naturally Occurring Spring	Filtration + Added CO2	0.31	Classic Italian mineral water
Topo Chico	Naturally Occurring Spring (Mexico)	Reduced contamination since 2021	3.9	PFAS levels decreased but still above safety guidelines
Polar Seltzer	Unknown	Not specified	6.41	Highest reported PFAS levels in recent tests

The Role of Packaging

The packaging of sparkling water can also influence its purity and impact on the environment. Brands that use glass bottles, like Mountain Valley, often appeal to consumers concerned about potential chemical leaching from plastics or can linings. Aluminum cans, used by brands like Proud Source and Waterloo, are infinitely recyclable, making them a more eco-friendly option. Choosing a brand that uses responsible and pure materials for both its water and its container is a holistic approach to finding the cleanest sparkling water.

A Clean Choice: Making Your Own

For ultimate control over water purity, consider making your own sparkling water at home. Using a soda maker like SodaStream or Aarke allows you to start with water you trust, such as filtered tap water. This method ensures you have no hidden additives or contaminants and is significantly more environmentally friendly by reducing single-use packaging. You can use a high-quality reverse osmosis filter on your tap to remove a wide range of contaminants, including PFAS, and then use your soda maker to add the desired level of carbonation. The freshness and customizability are unmatched.

Conclusion

While many sparkling water brands exist, not all are created equal in terms of purity. Choosing the cleanest sparkling water requires a proactive approach, including research into a brand's sourcing, filtration, and testing transparency. Brands like Mountain Valley and Proud Source, with their emphasis on protected springs and testing, offer a higher degree of purity. For the highest level of control and environmental sustainability, making your own sparkling water with a high-quality home filtration and carbonation system is the best option. Ultimately, being an informed consumer is the key to enjoying your bubbly beverage with peace of mind.

Authoritative Outbound Link

For more detailed information on PFAS and water contamination, visit the EPA's official resources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are PFAS and why are they in sparkling water?

PFAS are man-made 'forever chemicals' that can enter water sources from industrial waste and consumer products. They are in sparkling water if the source water used by the manufacturer is contaminated, as not all filtration removes them.

Does all sparkling water have PFAS?

No, not all sparkling water has PFAS. Some brands, particularly those sourced from protected springs and using advanced filtration, have shown non-detectable levels in testing.

Are flavored sparkling waters less clean than unflavored ones?

Flavored sparkling waters can contain 'natural' or artificial additives that some people prefer to avoid, but this doesn't directly correlate with the water's overall purity regarding contaminants like PFAS. Check the brand's water report for clarity.

Is mineral water cleaner than seltzer?

It depends on the brand. Mineral water from a protected spring may be very clean, but some brands have shown detectable PFAS levels. Seltzer made from highly filtered municipal water can also be very pure. The best indicator is the brand's testing transparency.

How can I find the water quality report for a brand?

Many brands publish water quality reports on their websites. You can also look for industry certifications or seals from third-party auditors like NSF International.

Is it better to make my own sparkling water at home?

Yes, making your own sparkling water at home with a quality water filter and a carbonation machine gives you the most control over the purity and quality of the water. It's also more sustainable.

Is Topo Chico no longer a clean option?

While Topo Chico reformulated its product to reduce PFAS levels following testing, its levels remain higher than those in some other brands. Brands like Mountain Valley or Proud Source offer lower PFAS levels.