Which Bottled Water Is Natural Spring Water? A Complete Guide to Identifying Brands

December 14, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the FDA, true natural spring water must come from an underground formation that flows naturally to the earth's surface. However, many products on the market are simply purified tap water, so knowing which bottled water is natural spring water can be confusing.

Quick Summary

Deciphering bottled water labels can be tricky. The source and level of treatment, from minimal filtration for spring water to extensive processing for purified water, define its category and characteristics for consumers.

Key Points

Source is Key: Natural spring water must come directly from a naturally flowing underground source, not from municipal or surface water.
Label Verification: The bottle label is legally required to state "Spring Water" and the location of its source.
Minimal Processing: Unlike purified water, true spring water undergoes minimal processing, such as filtration or ozone treatment, to maintain its original mineral composition.
Taste Profile: Natural spring water has a unique taste influenced by the minerals it absorbs from the earth, whereas purified water tends to taste neutral.
Not all brands are natural: Brands like Aquafina are purified tap water, while many premium brands like Mountain Valley and Evian are authentic spring or mineral water.
Artesian water: Artesian water is a specific pressurized spring water, but not all spring water is artesian.

Understanding the Differences in Bottled Water

When navigating the bottled water aisle, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options and the marketing claims on each bottle. Not all water is created equal, and understanding the differences between terms like "spring water," "purified water," and "mineral water" is key to knowing what you’re actually buying. A product labeled "purified drinking water," for instance, might start as municipal tap water before undergoing a thorough filtering process. In contrast, true natural spring water is collected directly from a naturally flowing underground source, with minimal processing.

What Exactly Is Natural Spring Water?

Natural spring water is groundwater that flows from an underground aquifer to the earth’s surface. It is naturally filtered and absorbs minerals during its journey. FDA regulations require bottled spring water to be collected at the spring's opening or from a borehole tapping the same source. Processing is minimal to preserve its natural state, ensuring safety through methods like filtration or ozone treatment. The label must clearly list the spring source location.

Other Common Types of Bottled Water

Purified Water: Sourced from various origins, including tap water, this water is heavily treated to remove contaminants and most minerals. Common methods are distillation and reverse osmosis. Brands such as Aquafina and Dasani are examples.
Mineral Water: Originating from a protected underground source, mineral water is distinguished by a stable, specific quantity of naturally occurring minerals, requiring a minimum of 250 ppm of total dissolved solids. Evian and San Pellegrino are popular choices.
Artesian Water: This is spring water from a pressurized aquifer, allowing it to rise to the surface naturally. It follows the same minimal processing rules as other spring water. Fiji and Voss are known artesian brands.
Distilled Water: Produced by boiling and condensing water vapor, this process eliminates all impurities and minerals. It is generally not recommended for regular drinking due to the lack of minerals.

Decoding the Label: How to Verify Natural Spring Water

To identify genuine natural spring water, examine the label for these key details:

Clear Labeling: The bottle must explicitly say "Spring Water." Other descriptions, like "drinking water" or "purified water," mean it's not natural spring water.
Source Identification: The label must specify the geographical location of the spring. Look for statements indicating where the water was bottled at the source.
Indication of Minimal Processing: Many authentic natural spring water brands highlight their minimal processing to show the water's natural purity.

Comparison of Bottled Water Types


Feature	Natural Spring Water	Purified Water	Mineral Water
Source	Underground aquifer flows to surface	Any source, including tap water	Protected underground source
Treatment	Minimal filtration/ozone	Extensive filtration (RO, distillation)	Minimal, to preserve minerals
Mineral Content	Naturally occurring, varies by source	Minerals removed; some added back	Stable, specific content (>250 ppm)
Taste Profile	Crisp and unique due to minerals	Neutral or flat	Rich, distinctive flavor
Cost	Moderate to high	Often more affordable	Tends to be higher-end

Identifying Brands of Natural Spring Water

Several brands are recognized for providing authentic natural spring water:

Mountain Valley Spring Water: Sourced from the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas.
Evian: From the Cachat Spring in the French Alps.
Crystal Geyser Alpine Spring Water: Bottled at protected spring sources across the U.S.
Poland Spring: Sourced from various springs in Maine.
Icelandic Glacial Water: From the Olfus Spring in Iceland, filtered through lava rock.

Conclusion

Identifying which bottled water is natural spring water requires paying close attention to labels and understanding the different water types. True natural spring water comes from a specific underground source and undergoes minimal processing, as required by FDA regulations. By checking for clear labeling, source location, and indications of minimal treatment, consumers can confidently choose authentic spring water brands like Mountain Valley or Evian. This knowledge empowers better hydration choices based on source, treatment, and desired mineral content.

For more detailed regulatory information on bottled water, refer to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Both bottled spring water and purified water are regulated and considered safe for consumption. However, they undergo different levels of processing. Purified water is extensively treated to remove almost all contaminants and minerals, while spring water undergoes minimal treatment to preserve its natural state.

The FDA defines spring water as water derived from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface. It must be collected at the spring or a borehole that taps the aquifer feeding the spring.

Yes, natural spring water contains naturally occurring minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are considered electrolytes. The specific mineral content varies depending on the source.

No, Aquafina is not a natural spring water. It is purified drinking water sourced from public water systems and then treated through a rigorous purification process.

The main difference is the mineral content. Both come from protected underground sources, but mineral water must have a stable, specific mineral composition of at least 250 ppm of total dissolved solids.

The taste of natural spring water is a result of the unique combination of minerals it picks up as it filters through underground rock. This terroir-like quality means water from different springs will have distinct flavors.

In Europe, Evian is classified as a natural mineral water. In the U.S., due to differing regulations on Total Dissolved Solids, it is marketed as natural spring water, but it is the same water from the same French Alps source.