Which Bottled Water Does Not Contain Chlorine?

November 27, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), most bottled water is less likely to contain chlorine than municipal tap water because many bottlers use alternative disinfection methods, such as ozonation or UV filtration. Consumers often seek out bottled water for a fresher taste, prompting the question: which bottled water does not contain chlorine? The short answer is that the majority of bottled water brands, especially those sourced from springs or that undergo advanced purification, will not contain detectable levels of chlorine.

Quick Summary

Most bottled water is chlorine-free due to purification methods like reverse osmosis and ozonation. Spring and mineral waters are naturally low or free of chlorine. Purified water is also typically dechlorinated. Consumers can find brands that meet their preference for a pure taste and minimal chlorine.

Key Points

Purification Methods Matter: To find bottled water without chlorine, look for products that are purified using reverse osmosis, distillation, or advanced filtration, as these processes remove chlorine and other impurities.
Choose Spring or Mineral Water: Natural spring and mineral waters, sourced from underground aquifers, are naturally low in or free of chlorine and often require minimal treatment before bottling.
Check for Ozonation and UV: Bottlers frequently use ozonation or ultraviolet (UV) light to disinfect water instead of chlorine, which ensures a chlorine-free end product with no lingering chemical taste.
Read the Label Carefully: The product label or company website will often specify the water's source and purification process. Words like 'purified,' 'distilled,' 'ozonated,' or 'artesian' are strong indicators of a chlorine-free product.
Taste and Purity Levels Vary: While all chlorine-free water avoids that 'pool' taste, the mineral content can influence flavor. For the purest taste, look for distilled or reverse osmosis water.
Avoid Water from Municipal Sources: Unless the label confirms additional purification steps, bottled water sourced directly from municipal tap water may contain trace amounts of chlorine.
Major Brands Offer Chlorine-Free Options: Many popular brands like Evian, Fiji, Smartwater, and Nestlé Pure Life are known to provide chlorine-free bottled water.

Understanding Chlorine in Water

Chlorine is an effective disinfectant used by municipalities to kill bacteria and viruses in tap water, making it safe to drink. However, this chlorination process can leave behind a distinct taste and odor that some people find unpleasant. Furthermore, chlorine can react with organic matter in water to form disinfection byproducts (DBPs), which have raised some long-term health concerns. For these reasons, many consumers look for alternatives like bottled water, hoping to avoid chlorine and its byproducts.

How Bottled Water Avoids Chlorine

Bottled water companies use a variety of sources and treatment methods, many of which are specifically designed to remove chlorine or avoid it altogether. The two main types of bottled water that are most often chlorine-free are purified water and natural spring or mineral water.

Purified Water: This category includes water that has been treated to remove chemicals and contaminants. Common methods of purification that effectively remove chlorine include:
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): Water is forced through a semipermeable membrane that filters out impurities, including chlorine.
- Distillation: The water is boiled into steam, which is then condensed back into a liquid, leaving contaminants like chlorine and minerals behind.
- Carbon Filtration: Water passes through activated carbon filters that trap and remove chlorine compounds.
- Ozonation: Instead of chlorine, some bottlers use ozone gas (O3) to disinfect the water. Ozone dissipates quickly, leaving no taste or odor.
Spring and Mineral Water: Sourced from natural, underground aquifers, these waters are naturally protected from pollutants. They typically do not require extensive chemical disinfection like municipal tap water. While some spring waters might undergo minimal treatment, reputable brands ensure they are chlorine-free by the time they are bottled.

Leading Bottled Water Brands Without Chlorine

Numerous brands prioritize a chlorine-free product. Here are some examples of brands known for their purification methods or natural sources:

Evian: A natural spring water from the French Alps, filtered through glacial rock for over 15 years. It is naturally chlorine-free and rich in minerals.
Fiji Water: This artesian water is sourced from a protected aquifer in Fiji. It uses a series of micro-filtration and UV disinfection, but no chlorination.
Nestlé Pure Life: While sourced from protected springs or municipal systems, their process includes micro-filtration and ozonation to ensure a chlorine-free product.
Glaceau Smartwater: This water is vapor-distilled, a process that removes all impurities, and then has electrolytes added for a crisp taste.
Voss: Sourced from a Norwegian aquifer, Voss is naturally filtered and has a low mineral content and no chlorine.
Icelandic Glacial: As the name suggests, this water comes from a natural spring in Iceland and is certified carbon neutral.
Just Water: Known for its sustainable paper-based packaging, Just Water utilizes spring water that is purified through carbon filtration, ozonation, and UV treatment.
Essentia Water: This brand uses micro-filtration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet exposure, then infuses the water with electrolytes for an ionized alkaline product.

Comparison of Chlorine-Free Water Types


Feature	Natural Spring Water	Purified Water (RO/Distilled)
Source	Underground aquifer or spring	Municipal or groundwater
Processing	Micro-filtered, ozonated, or UV treated; minimal processing	Advanced filtration (RO, distillation, carbon)
Mineral Content	Varies by source, naturally contains minerals	Minerals are often removed and sometimes added back
Chlorine Status	Naturally low or free of chlorine	Chlorine is actively removed during purification
Taste	Reflects the natural mineral profile of the source	Often described as 'crisp' or 'neutral'

How to Choose the Right Chlorine-Free Water

Choosing the best bottled water for your needs depends on your preferences for taste, mineral content, and budget. For those prioritizing a specific mineral profile, natural spring water from a pristine source like Evian or Icelandic Glacial may be ideal. If you want the purest water possible with the most contaminants removed, brands that use reverse osmosis or distillation, such as Smartwater or Aquafina, are excellent choices. Always check the label to confirm the water source and treatment method, especially if you have particular health concerns.

The Health and Taste Benefits of Chlorine-Free Water

Beyond avoiding the unpleasant taste and odor, opting for bottled water that does not contain chlorine offers other benefits. Chlorine's function is to sanitize, but once it reaches your glass, its work is done. It can affect the flavor profile of beverages and foods mixed with the water. By choosing a chlorine-free option, you ensure a clean, neutral base for all your hydration needs. While both chlorinated tap water and bottled water are regulated and considered safe, the choice for a chlorine-free option is often about quality, not just safety. For individuals with sensitive palates, the difference in taste can be significant. The most reliable method to ensure water is chlorine-free is to choose a brand that is transparent about its purification process, like ozonation or reverse osmosis, both of which eliminate chlorine effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, consumers have a wide array of options when searching for bottled water that does not contain chlorine. The primary types to consider are natural spring water and purified water treated with advanced methods like reverse osmosis, distillation, or ozonation. Reputable brands like Evian, Fiji, Nestlé Pure Life, and Glaceau Smartwater all offer chlorine-free products, though their specific purification methods and mineral content may vary. By understanding the different sources and treatments, you can make an informed choice that best suits your taste and health preferences. Always check the label for details on the water's source and processing to confirm its chlorine-free status. This diligence will ensure you get the clean, fresh-tasting water you desire.

For more information on water quality and safety, you can consult resources from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Finding Your Ideal Chlorine-Free Bottled Water

Read the Label: Look for water treated with ozonation, UV light, or reverse osmosis.
Consider the Source: Natural spring or artesian waters are typically chlorine-free by default.
Taste Preference: Distilled water provides the most neutral taste, while spring water's taste is influenced by its mineral profile.
Health Needs: For those concerned about all impurities, highly purified water is the best choice.
Brand Transparency: Opt for brands that clearly outline their water source and purification process.
Compare Costs: Decide if a premium brand is worth the higher price point for your consumption habits.
Alternative Solutions: Consider home filtration systems for tap water if you consume large quantities.

Top Chlorine-Free Brands by Method

Spring Water: Evian, Fiji, Icelandic Glacial
Purified Water (RO/Distilled): Smartwater, Aquafina, Essentia
Sustainable Packaging: Just Water, Flow Water

By following these guidelines, you can confidently select bottled water that meets your needs for a clean, pure, and chlorine-free beverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, most bottled water is either naturally free of chlorine (like spring water) or has had the chlorine removed during purification through methods such as reverse osmosis, distillation, or ozonation.

Many popular brands are chlorine-free, including Evian, Fiji, Nestlé Pure Life, Glaceau Smartwater, Voss, and Icelandic Glacial. They use purification methods like vapor distillation, reverse osmosis, or are sourced from natural springs.

Most bottled spring water is naturally low in or free of chlorine, but it is always wise to check the label for clarification. The water's purity depends on the aquifer's protection and the company's bottling process.

Purified water, which undergoes processes like reverse osmosis, distillation, or carbon filtration, has chlorine and other contaminants removed. Therefore, it does not contain chlorine.

Non-chlorinated water, free of the chemical disinfectant, typically has a cleaner, fresher, and more neutral taste. Chlorinated water often carries a distinct chemical, sometimes 'swimming pool-like,' odor and flavor.

Both bottled and tap water are regulated and considered safe to drink. The preference for chlorine-free water is often about taste rather than safety. While bottled water has virtually no chlorine, the minimal amount in tap water is safe for consumption.

The most straightforward way is to check the product label for the water type and purification method. You can also contact the brand directly for a water quality report. For home testing, chlorine test strips are available.

For those prioritizing taste and mineral content, a high-quality natural spring water is a good option. For those seeking maximum purity with all contaminants removed, distilled or reverse osmosis-purified water is ideal.