Demystifying the Labels: Spring vs. Purified Water
Walking down the bottled water aisle can be a confusing experience, with labels marketing promises of purity, refreshment, and natural origin. The key to knowing if you're getting 100% spring water lies in understanding the core differences between spring water and purified water. The source and processing methods are what fundamentally set them apart.
What Exactly is Spring Water?
For water to be legally labeled as spring water, it must come from a designated underground source known as an aquifer, from which water flows naturally to the surface. Bottlers are allowed to tap directly into the underground source via a borehole, but the product must be chemically identical to the water flowing from the natural spring. As the water travels through layers of rock and soil, it absorbs naturally occurring minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which contribute to its unique taste. The level of processing is minimal, typically involving only filtration to remove particulate matter and treatment with ozone or UV light to ensure microbiological safety.
What is Purified Water?
In contrast, purified water can come from any source, including municipal tap water, well water, or even spring water. What defines it is the rigorous purification process it undergoes, such as reverse osmosis, distillation, or deionization, which strips the water of most of its total dissolved solids (TDS), including any natural minerals. While this process results in a very consistent and clean-tasting product, the minerals and taste profile are often added back artificially for flavor consistency. Brands like Aquafina and Dasani, for example, are made from purified municipal water, not from a natural spring.
Brands That Offer 100% Spring Water
Several brands are dedicated to providing genuine 100% spring water from a verifiable, natural source. These companies often highlight the specific location of their spring on their packaging or website to emphasize its authenticity.
- Fiji Water: This brand is sourced from an artesian aquifer in the Yaqara Valley on the main island of Fiji. It is naturally filtered through volcanic rock and bottled at the source. Fiji is a prime example of a brand committed to its natural origin.
- Evian: Sourced from the French Alps, Evian is another premium example of authentic spring water. The water travels through glacial rock for over 15 years, picking up a unique balance of minerals along the way before it is bottled at the source.
- Ice Mountain: This brand explicitly states it is 100% Natural Spring Water, sourced from carefully selected springs. While owned by a large corporation, it maintains the commitment to its spring source, detailing its multi-step quality process.
- Mountain Valley Spring Water: This is a well-known brand sourced from the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas. It has a long history and is a strong example of an authentic, regional spring water brand.
- Acqua Panna: An Italian spring water that comes from deep beneath the hills of Tuscany, filtering through aquifers for 14 years before it's bottled. It's known for its soft, velvety mouthfeel.
- Poland Spring (certain products): While Poland Spring has faced legal challenges regarding its sourcing in the past, products like Poland Spring ORIGIN are explicitly marketed as 100% Natural Spring Water, sourced from the brand's American origins.
Comparison of Water Types
To help you decide which type of water is best for you, here is a comparison of spring, purified, and mineral water:
| Feature | Spring Water | Purified Water | Mineral Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Underground aquifer that flows naturally to the surface. | Any source, including municipal tap water. | Named underground source; naturally rich in minerals. |
| Processing | Minimal filtration (e.g., carbon filtration, UV light) to remove contaminants. | Rigorous filtration (e.g., reverse osmosis, distillation) to remove nearly all minerals and impurities. | Tested and filtered, but not treated chemically, to preserve natural mineral composition. |
| Mineral Content | Varies by source; contains naturally occurring minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. | Very low or zero, as minerals are removed during purification. | High mineral content (at least 250 ppm of Total Dissolved Solids) that must be stable. |
| Taste | Unique flavor profile influenced by the specific mineral content of its source. | Neutral and consistent taste due to the removal and re-addition of minerals. | Often has a distinct taste due to its high and stable mineral content. |
| Regulation | Regulated by the FDA, with specific requirements on sourcing and bottling. | Also regulated by the FDA, focusing on the quality after the purification process. | Stricter monitoring for stable mineral composition in some regions, like Europe. |
The Importance of Labeling and Sourcing
When selecting a bottle of water, don't be swayed by images of mountains and pristine lakes alone. True spring water should provide specific information on its label regarding its source. The FDA requires that spring water be collected at the spring itself or via a borehole that taps into the underground source. The label must also identify the name and location of the spring. If the label mentions words like “purified by reverse osmosis” or “sourced from municipal supplies,” it is not 100% spring water, regardless of the marketing imagery.
Conclusion
For those seeking bottled water that is genuinely 100% spring water, the key is to look beyond generic marketing and read the labels carefully. Companies such as Fiji, Evian, Mountain Valley Spring Water, and Acqua Panna represent authentic options sourced directly from natural springs with minimal processing. Understanding the difference between spring water and purified water—and checking for explicit sourcing information on the bottle—is the most reliable way to ensure you are purchasing a product that lives up to its promise of being pure spring water.
