Which Bottled Water Doesn't Have Chlorine?

According to the CDC, chlorine is an effective disinfectant used in public tap water, but for those seeking a purer taste, certain bottled water doesn't have chlorine due to advanced filtration or natural sourcing. Many people prefer bottled options to avoid the distinct smell and flavor associated with municipal chlorination. This guide explores brands and water types that are specifically treated to remove or avoid chlorine, offering a clearer, fresher hydration experience.

Quick Summary

This article explains that bottled water can be chlorine-free through purification methods like reverse osmosis and distillation, or by sourcing from natural springs. It identifies several popular brands that use these processes, helping consumers find unchlorinated options. The content also compares different water types and provides tips on how to verify the absence of chlorine for personal preferences and health concerns.

Key Points

• Purified Water Brands: Brands like Aquafina and LIFEWTR use reverse osmosis and other advanced filtration methods to remove chlorine from their water.

• Natural Spring Water Brands: Brands like Evian and Fiji rely on natural filtration and use chlorine-free disinfection methods, such as ozonation or UV light.

• Distilled Water: This water type is produced by boiling and re-condensing the steam, which leaves all contaminants, including chlorine, behind.

• Check Labels and Reports: The purification method is often listed on the label; look for terms like 'Reverse Osmosis' or 'Ozonated' to ensure it's chlorine-free.

• Avoid Some 'Bottled' Tap Water: Some bottled water originates from a municipal source and, if not properly treated, may still contain trace amounts of chlorine.

Chlorine is an effective and critical component of municipal water treatment, used to kill disease-causing pathogens like bacteria and viruses. However, its presence can leave a noticeable taste and odor that many people prefer to avoid. For these consumers, bottled water offers a great alternative, but it's important to understand which purification methods ensure chlorine-free results.

Purification Methods That Remove Chlorine

Bottled water companies employ several techniques to produce chlorine-free water. Knowing these methods can help you make an informed decision when selecting a brand.

Reverse Osmosis

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a popular and highly effective purification method used by many bottled water brands, including Aquafina and Dasani. This process forces water through a semi-permeable membrane that removes most impurities, contaminants, and chemicals—including chlorine. While the process strips out minerals, some brands add a select blend of electrolytes back in for taste.

Distillation

Distillation involves boiling water and then condensing the steam back into liquid, which leaves virtually all impurities behind. Since chlorine evaporates at a lower temperature than water, this process effectively eliminates it. Brands like Glaceau SmartWater use this method, often adding a proprietary blend of electrolytes back into the finished product for taste.

Ozonation

Ozonation uses ozone gas (O3) as a disinfectant instead of chlorine. Ozone is a powerful antimicrobial agent that does not leave a residual taste or odor in the water, a key reason many bottlers prefer it. After disinfecting, any remaining ozone dissipates, leaving behind pure, unchlorinated water.

Activated Carbon Filtration

Activated carbon filters can effectively remove free chlorine and other volatile organic compounds by adsorption. Many bottled water companies use this as part of their multi-stage filtration process to enhance the water's taste and purity. This method is often incorporated into home water filtration systems as well.

Types of Bottled Water with No Added Chlorine

Not all bottled water is created equal. The type of water and its source heavily influence its final composition and whether it contains chlorine.

Natural Spring Water

True natural spring water is sourced from an underground aquifer and flows naturally to the surface. Brands like Evian and Fiji water use natural spring sources and typically do not add chlorine to their products. Their natural mineral content is a key feature, and they often use alternative disinfection methods like ozonation or UV light. A key distinction is that spring water, being from a natural source, can contain naturally occurring chloride ions from the surrounding rock and soil, but this is different from added chlorine disinfectant.

Purified Water

Purified water, which often starts from municipal tap water, undergoes extensive treatment to remove chemicals and contaminants. This typically includes processes like reverse osmosis, distillation, and carbon filtration, which effectively strip out chlorine. Brands like LIFEWTR and Aquafina fall into this category, with the final product being highly pure and free of residual chlorine.

Distilled Water

As mentioned, distilled water is the result of boiling and condensation. The process is so thorough that it removes virtually everything from the water, including minerals and chlorine. This results in a very flat taste that some people find unappealing, and it may not be ideal for long-term hydration due to the lack of minerals.

Comparison Table: Types of Chlorine-Free Bottled Water

Feature	Purified Water	Natural Spring Water	Distilled Water
Source	Municipal or ground water	Underground aquifer	Municipal or ground water
Chlorine Removal	Reverse Osmosis, Carbon Filters, UV	Natural filtration, Ozonation, UV	Evaporation/Condensation
Mineral Content	Minerals often added back	Naturally occurring	None
Taste	Clean, neutral taste	Varies based on mineral profile	Flat, bland taste
Environmental Impact	Varies by source and packaging	High, often shipped long distances	Higher energy use
Common Brands	Aquafina, LIFEWTR	Evian, Fiji, Voss	SmartWater (after re-mineralization)

Common Brands and Their Approach to Chlorine

• Evian Natural Spring Water: Sourced from the French Alps, this water is naturally filtered and is chlorine-free.
• Fiji Water: This artesian spring water from Fiji is naturally filtered through volcanic rock and disinfected using UV light, not chlorine.
• LIFEWTR: This brand uses reverse osmosis to purify its water and then adds electrolytes, making it chlorine-free.
• Nestlé Pure Life: This brand states it does not add chlorine to its spring water, relying on its sourcing and other disinfection methods.
• Glaceau SmartWater: Utilizing vapor distillation, this water is free of impurities like chlorine before electrolytes are added back in.
• Voss: Sourced from an artesian spring in Norway, Voss water is naturally filtered and protected, with low Total Dissolved Solids (TDS).
• JUST Water: This brand uses reverse osmosis and carbon filtration, packaging its product in an eco-friendly carton, making it chlorine-free.

How to Verify if Your Bottled Water Is Chlorine-Free

For those who want to be absolutely sure about their bottled water's composition, here are a few steps you can take:

1. Check the label: Look for descriptions like “purified by reverse osmosis,” “vapor distilled,” or “ozonated”. These indicate processes that remove chlorine.
2. Contact the manufacturer: Bottled water companies are required to meet certain standards. You can reach out to their customer service for a water quality report for extra assurance.
3. Use a home testing kit: Simple and inexpensive chlorine test strips can be used to test any bottled water you are uncertain about.

Conclusion

While many bottled water brands are effectively chlorine-free, the method of purification varies significantly. Purified waters from major brands like Aquafina and LIFEWTR undergo rigorous treatment like reverse osmosis to remove chlorine. Natural spring water brands such as Evian and Fiji use advanced, chlorine-free disinfection methods like ozonation and UV light to maintain their natural mineral profile. For those prioritizing absolute purity, distilled water removes nearly all substances, though it lacks flavor. By checking product labels for purification methods and water source, consumers can confidently choose a bottled water option that meets their taste and quality preferences, avoiding the taste and odor of chlorine.

Authoritative Outbound Link

For information on bottled water safety and regulations, consult the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's official page: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/bottled-water-everywhere-keeping-it-safe

Frequently Asked Questions

Is any bottled water completely chlorine-free?

Yes, many brands are effectively chlorine-free. Distilled water is boiled to remove all contaminants, while many purified and spring waters use alternative, chlorine-free disinfection methods like ozonation, UV light, or activated carbon filtration.

What is the difference between chlorine and chloride in water?

Chlorine is an added disinfectant used in municipal water treatment, while chloride is a naturally occurring ion found in water and soil. Chloride is not harmful in small concentrations and is not what causes the disinfectant taste or odor.

Does all bottled water taste the same if it’s chlorine-free?

No, the taste varies based on the purification method and mineral content. Distilled water has a flat taste, while natural spring water has a taste profile influenced by its naturally occurring minerals.

Can I trust brands that say they are chlorine-free?

Most bottled water companies adhere to strict industry standards and regulations. You can check for a quality report on their website or look for an industry certification from organizations like the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA).

Does boiling tap water remove chlorine?

Yes, boiling water for about 15 minutes can effectively cause chlorine to dissipate. However, this method can also increase the concentration of other contaminants and may not be as effective for removing chloramines, which are sometimes used in municipal water supplies instead of or in addition to chlorine.

Are there home methods to remove chlorine from tap water?

Yes, aside from boiling, you can use activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems, or simply leave the water in an open container for 24-48 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate.

Is drinking chlorinated water harmful?

The EPA regulates chlorine levels in tap water, and at these regulated levels, it is generally considered safe to drink. However, some individuals prefer to avoid it for taste reasons or because of potential, though minimal, health concerns related to byproducts.