Which is the Safest Bottled Water to Drink?

According to recent studies, bottled water can contain hundreds of thousands of microplastic particles, significantly more than previously thought. Navigating this new reality, many consumers are asking: which is the safest bottled water to drink?

Quick Summary

This guide examines the safety of various types of bottled water, including purified, spring, and mineral, by analyzing their filtration methods, potential for microplastic contamination, and packaging materials. It provides criteria for selecting the best option based on your health priorities.

Key Points

• Purified Water is Most Consistent: Reverse osmosis or distilled water, stripped of nearly all contaminants, offers the highest and most consistent level of purity.

• Plastic Leaches Microplastics: Studies have found high levels of microplastics in bottled water, with leaching accelerated by heat and sunlight.

• Glass or Aluminum Packaging is Safest: To avoid microplastics and chemical leaching, choose bottled water in glass or aluminum packaging over plastic.

• Spring Water Contains Natural Minerals: While favored for its natural minerals, spring water's purity can vary depending on its source and may contain trace contaminants.

• Filtered Tap Water is a Safer Alternative: Using a quality home filter and a reusable bottle is often the safest, most cost-effective, and environmentally friendly choice.

• Check for BPA-Free Labels: When buying plastic, look for bottles marked with recycling symbols #1 (PET), #2 (HDPE), or #5 (PP), which are considered safer and typically BPA-free.

The search for the safest bottled water to drink has become more complex with rising concerns about microplastics and packaging safety. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates bottled water to be as stringent as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s tap water standards, crucial differences between water types and packaging methods exist. Understanding these distinctions is key to making an informed choice for your health.

Purified vs. Spring vs. Mineral Water: A Safety Comparison

When choosing bottled water, the label provides the first clue about its origin and processing. The three most common types are purified, spring, and mineral water. Their safety profiles differ based on how they are sourced and treated.

Purified Water: The Filtration Champion

Purified water is sourced from municipal supplies or groundwater and then treated to remove contaminants. The most common purification methods include reverse osmosis, distillation, and deionization, which strip the water of virtually all impurities, including minerals.

• Pros: The intensive filtration makes purified water consistently clean and free of most contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals. For those concerned about specific contaminants in their local water, this is often the safest bet.
• Cons: The process also removes beneficial minerals. Some brands add electrolytes back for taste, but the consistency and benefits can vary.

Spring Water: Naturally Sourced, Naturally Pure?

Spring water comes from an underground formation from which water naturally flows to the surface. It is naturally filtered as it passes through rock layers, absorbing minerals along the way. Bottled spring water is often treated with minimal processing, like carbon filtration and UV light, to ensure safety without compromising its mineral profile.

• Pros: It contains naturally occurring minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which some people prefer for their health benefits and taste. The source itself offers a degree of natural purity.
• Cons: The quality can depend on the surrounding environment. If the land is polluted, the water can be contaminated with bacteria or heavy metals. Its mineral content is inorganic, and absorption by the body may be less efficient than from food.

Mineral Water: The Mineral-Rich Option

Mineral water is also sourced from an underground, protected mineral spring. It must contain at least 250 parts per million of total dissolved solids (TDS), and its mineral composition must remain constant.

• Pros: Provides a natural source of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonates, which can offer some health benefits.
• Cons: The high mineral content can give it a distinctive taste that isn't for everyone. Some sources may have higher levels of natural nitrates or other elements. The taste can be a drawback for some.

The Problem with Plastic Packaging

Beyond the water itself, the container is a significant factor in bottled water safety. Recent studies have highlighted the issue of microplastics, with research showing an average liter of bottled water contains nearly a quarter-million invisible nanoplastics, significantly more than previously estimated.

How Microplastics Get into Bottled Water

• Manufacturing: The high pressure and temperatures used during production can cause the plastic to degrade, creating microplastics.
• Handling and Transport: The friction from repeatedly twisting the bottle cap on and off is a major source of microplastic contamination.
• Storage: Over time, and especially with exposure to heat and sunlight, plastic bottles can degrade and leach plastics and other chemicals, like BPA, into the water.

Safe Packaging Alternatives

For those wanting to minimize microplastic and chemical exposure, alternative packaging is the best route. Reusable options are also far more eco-friendly.

• Glass Bottles: Glass is inert and doesn't leach chemicals or microplastics into the water, making it one of the safest options. Brands like Mountain Valley Spring Water often use glass bottles for this reason.
• Aluminum Cans: Brands like Liquid Death use aluminum cans, which are highly recyclable and don't contribute microplastics. However, some consumers report a slight metallic aftertaste.
• Cardboard Boxes: Some brands, like Boxed Water, use BPA-free, paper-based cartons, which offer an eco-conscious and safe packaging choice.
• Reusable Stainless Steel/Glass: Filtering your tap water and carrying it in a reusable stainless steel or glass bottle is the most sustainable and one of the safest methods.

Comparison of Water Types: Safety and Features

Feature	Purified Water	Spring Water	Mineral Water
Source	Municipal or groundwater	Underground spring	Protected mineral spring
Purity	Consistently high purity through advanced filtration	Naturally filtered, but can have trace contaminants	Contains natural minerals; minimal processing
Mineral Content	Very low to none; often added back	Varies based on source; contains natural minerals	High (min. 250 ppm of TDS)
Contaminants	Effectively removed by filtration	Risk of trace natural contaminants	Low risk from natural source
Taste	Neutral, consistent flavor	Varies based on source; mineral notes	Distinctive, sometimes salty or mineral-heavy

How to Choose the Safest Bottled Water

For the ultimate in purity and contaminant-free hydration, a high-quality purified water from a reputable brand packaged in a non-plastic container is the best option. These products are rigorously filtered to remove the broadest range of contaminants. For those who prefer water with naturally occurring minerals, opting for brands that use glass bottles for their spring or mineral water can mitigate the risks associated with plastic packaging. Always check the bottle for the recycling code; look for numbers 1, 2, 4, or 5, as they are considered safer than others, but remember that glass and aluminum are the safest choices for minimizing microplastics.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific priorities. If consistent purity is paramount, purified water is your best bet. If natural minerals are a focus, look for glass-bottled spring water. For most people, filtering their own tap water and using a reusable, non-plastic bottle is the most environmentally sound and safest long-term solution.

Conclusion

The quest for the safest bottled water to drink reveals a trade-off between natural mineral content and filtration-driven purity. While purified water offers the highest level of consistent purity, concerns about microplastics and chemical leaching from plastic containers point towards prioritizing alternative packaging like glass or aluminum. Spring and mineral waters offer natural minerals but can have variable purity levels depending on their source. The safest, most sustainable option for daily consumption is filtered tap water stored in a reusable stainless steel or glass bottle, but for those who need bottled options, choosing glass or aluminum over plastic, especially in purified water, offers the best safety assurance.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bottled water safer than tap water?

Not necessarily. In many developed countries, tap water is regulated by the EPA and is often safer and has fewer microplastics than bottled water. However, if your local tap water quality is poor, bottled water can be a safer alternative.

Does distilled water remove everything from the water?

Yes, distillation involves boiling water and condensing the steam, effectively removing most minerals, organic compounds, and heavy metals. This results in a very pure but mineral-free water with a flat taste.

What is the best type of water to drink for my health?

The 'best' water depends on your health priorities. For consistent purity and removal of contaminants, purified water is ideal. For a source of natural minerals, spring or mineral water in glass bottles can be a good choice. Some studies suggest alkaline water can help neutralize stomach acid.

How can I reduce my exposure to microplastics from bottled water?

You can reduce exposure by choosing water in glass or aluminum containers, or by filtering your own tap water and using a reusable stainless steel or glass bottle. Avoid leaving plastic bottles in heat or sunlight.

Are there any bottled water brands that are guaranteed microplastic-free?

No bottled water brand can offer a 100% microplastic-free guarantee, especially in plastic bottles. However, brands that package their water in glass or aluminum, like Mountain Valley and Liquid Death, are far less likely to have microplastic contamination.

Does the FDA regulate bottled water for microplastics?

Currently, there is no standardized testing or regulation for nanoplastics in bottled water by regulatory bodies like the FDA, though the issue is being investigated. The FDA does, however, regulate the safety and manufacturing of bottled water in general.

Is alkaline water a safer choice?

Alkaline water has a higher pH than regular water due to added minerals. While some claims suggest health benefits, evidence is limited, and it may interfere with natural body processes in high doses. Its safety depends on the purity of the source and packaging.