Decoding Bottled Water Labels: What Do They Really Mean?
Understanding bottled water begins with understanding how it is sourced and processed. Not all water is created equal, and the labels on each bottle—like "purified," "spring," or "alkaline"—signify very different things about the water inside. This section breaks down the most common types of bottled water and their characteristics, helping you to make an informed choice beyond just taste.
Purified Water: Processed for Purity
Purified water comes from a public or municipal water source, essentially tap water, that has undergone a rigorous treatment process to remove chemicals, contaminants, and minerals. Common purification methods include:
- Reverse Osmosis: Water is forced through a semipermeable membrane, which filters out dissolved solids, pathogens, and other impurities.
- Distillation: Water is boiled into a vapor and then condensed back into a liquid, leaving behind impurities. This also removes all natural minerals.
- Deionization: A process that removes mineral ions, though it doesn't kill bacteria. Brands like Aquafina and Dasani are examples of purified water. While the process guarantees a high level of purity, it also strips the water of potentially beneficial minerals. For those with compromised immune systems or in areas with unsafe tap water, this is a very safe option.
Spring and Mineral Water: Nature's Contribution
Spring water is collected from an underground source that flows naturally to the surface. The key difference between spring and mineral water lies in their mineral content. To be labeled "mineral water," the product must contain at least 250 parts per million of dissolved solids, which gives it a distinct taste. Popular mineral and spring water brands include Evian, Fiji, and Mountain Valley Spring Water. The naturally occurring minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium can offer added health benefits, though the concentration varies widely by brand and source.
Alkaline Water: pH and Electrolytes
Alkaline water is known for its higher pH level, typically 8 or above, compared to neutral tap water (pH of 7). Some brands, like Icelandic Glacial, are naturally alkaline, with a high pH resulting from filtration through volcanic rock. Other brands, such as Essentia, are made by purifying water and then adding electrolytes and minerals back in to raise the pH. While proponents suggest alkaline water can neutralize acidity in the body and boost hydration, scientific evidence is still emerging. For healthy individuals, the benefits may be minimal.
Comparison of Popular Bottled Water Brands
To help you decide which bottled water is best for you, here is a comparison of several popular brands based on key health-related factors:
| Feature | Fiji | Icelandic Glacial | Essentia | Aquafina | Mountain Valley | Evian |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Artesian Spring | Natural Spring | Ionized Alkaline | Purified | Spring | Natural Spring |
| Source | Fiji Islands | Ölfus Spring, Iceland | Municipal Source | Municipal Source | Ouachita Mtns, USA | French Alps |
| pH Level | ~7.7 | ~8.4 | ~9.5+ | ~6.5 | 7.3–7.8 | ~8.0 |
| Key Minerals | Silica, Magnesium | Calcium, Magnesium | Added Electrolytes | None (filtered out) | Calcium, Magnesium | Calcium, Magnesium |
| Packaging | Plastic | Plastic, Can | Plastic | Plastic | Glass, Plastic | Plastic, Glass |
| Pros | High in silica, good taste | Naturally alkaline, mineral-rich, carbon-neutral | High pH, enhanced electrolytes | Very pure, removes contaminants | Naturally high alkalinity, mineral-rich | Mineral-rich, electrolytes |
| Cons | Potential plastic leaching during transport | Shipping footprint concerns, potential plastic leaching | Minerals are added, not natural | Lacks beneficial minerals, potential plastic concerns | Can be expensive, packaging concerns | Potential plastic leaching |
Choosing the Right Water for Your Needs
When faced with the options, your choice depends on your personal health goals and priorities. If you are focused on getting naturally-occurring minerals, a natural spring or mineral water is the best choice. For those concerned with purity and want to avoid any potential contaminants, purified water is the most reliable, though it lacks minerals. If you're experimenting with a high-pH diet, alkaline water is the target, but check if its alkalinity is natural or artificially added. Finally, consider the environmental impact, prioritizing brands with sustainable sourcing and packaging, such as glass bottles or recyclable aluminum cans.
Environmental and Contaminant Considerations
Choosing bottled water isn't just about the liquid; it's also about the container. A significant concern is the potential leaching of microplastics from plastic bottles, especially after prolonged storage or exposure to heat. Glass bottles, like those from Mountain Valley or Saratoga, and aluminum cans, such as Liquid Death, eliminate this risk entirely and are more sustainable options.
The Final Word on Healthy Hydration
Ultimately, the healthiest bottled water is one that is free from contaminants, provides natural or added beneficial minerals, and comes in sustainable packaging. Naturally sourced spring and mineral waters often provide the best balance of purity and valuable minerals. However, for those who prefer the assurance of intense filtration, purified water remains a solid, if less mineral-rich, choice. Always weigh the pros and cons of sourcing, filtration, and packaging to find the bottle that best fits your health and environmental values. For the ultimate health and eco-friendly choice, consider an at-home filtration system and a reusable bottle to ensure maximum purity without the waste or plastic leaching concerns.
Conclusion: Your Best Bottled Water Choice
Deciding what's the healthiest bottled water to buy boils down to your personal priorities, including mineral content, filtration process, and environmental concerns. While all options provide basic hydration, mineral-rich spring waters often provide additional nutritional benefits that are absent in stripped-down purified waters. Ultimately, informed choices are key. By understanding the types of water and the brands that offer them, you can select the product that aligns best with your health and environmental standards. Remember to weigh factors beyond just the label to ensure you're making the best choice for yourself and the planet.
Optional: Find out more about the environmental impact of bottled water from the International Bottled Water Association.
