Is Mineral Water the Same as Regular Drinking Water?

You’re standing in the beverage aisle in your local supermarket, staring at the dazzling display of bottled water. Among the premium (and often pricier) options is mineral water, promising pristine purity and a chock-full of essential minerals. With wellness a top priority for half of U.S. consumers, mineral water might seem the obvious choice. But before you start buying it by the caseload, it’s good to know what mineral water is and how it compares to other varieties of drinking water.

What Exactly is Mineral Water?

True to its name, mineral water is essentially water with minerals. But not just any water can claim this title. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), mineral water must originate from a geologically and physically protected underground source, guaranteeing its natural purity. It must also contain at least 250 parts per million (ppm) of total dissolved solids (TDS) that occur naturally; they can’t be added after collecting the water.

What’s actually in mineral water?

Mineral water typically starts as rainwater that seeps underground and absorbs a cocktail of minerals and organic compounds as it filters through rock formations. By the time its journey ends, it’s enriched with minerals and trace elements, including calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, potassium, silica, sodium, sulfate, and chloride. Different mineral waters may contain various blends of these compounds, imparting distinct flavors and potential health perks.

Is mineral water good for you?

Many people swear by mineral water for its health and wellness benefits. Depending on the source, mineral water may contain lots of calcium, which the National Institutes of Health (NIH) says is crucial for building and maintaining strong bones. In fact, a recent study shows that the abundance and bioavailability of calcium from mineral water rival milk and other dairy products.

In addition to calcium, mineral water may be fortified with magnesium, which helps normalize your heart rhythm and aids in muscle contraction. It may also contain sodium, which helps boost cellular hydration and regulate nerve and muscle function. 

Types of Mineral Water

It’s worth noting that mineral water can be naturally enriched with minerals and dissolved solids or have them added to it. It can also be classified as still or sparkling, where still mineral water is non-carbonated, and sparkling water, also called carbonated water, contains carbon dioxide (CO2) for a fizzy texture. Some mineral waters naturally contain carbon, while others have it added artificially.

Related: Is Carbonated Water Bad For You and Your Health

What does mineral water taste like?

The amount and type of minerals in mineral water may vary considerably based on its source, heavily influencing the water’s flavor. For instance, mineral water extracted from limestone-heavy formations may be a good source of calcium, which can give the water a sweet aftertaste. Those with high amounts of sodium often taste, you guessed it, salty. So, if you’re not a fan of plain water, mineral water might be a tasty way to stay hydrated.

Related: Why Does My Water Taste Sweet? Here are 8 Possible Causes

Mineral Water vs. Spring Water: What’s the Difference?

You’ve likely seen ‘spring water’ and ‘mineral water’ on bottled water labels, but have you ever considered the differences? Understanding these distinctions can guide you in making more informed choices about your hydration, so let’s explore their unique characteristics.

Source and Mineral Content

One notable difference between mineral and spring water is how each is collected and its mineral content. By regulatory standards, mineral water must originate underground from a protected source and have a stable concentration of minerals at the point of emergence from the source.

Similarly, spring water hails from a named, protected underground source but naturally rises to the earth’s surface—somewhat like a water fountain. Companies can collect this water at the spring or through a borehole or well that taps the underground source feeding the spring, provided that it doesn’t alter the water’s natural flow and properties.

Another key difference is that mineral water generally boasts a higher mineral content because it flows over rocks, picking up more minerals along the way. Spring water doesn’t need to offer a consistent concentration of these compounds and, as such, may not provide the same or as many health benefits as mineral water.

Treatment Process and Purity

As a “product of nature,” mineral water can’t be chemically treated. Still, it may undergo some processing to eliminate unstable elements and undesirable constituents, like arsenic, or to adjust CO2 levels. Any other treatment that could alter the water’s mineral profile and innate properties is strictly prohibited, per FDA rules. Also, natural mineral water must be bottled onsite to preserve its natural purity and have its mineral composition clearly stated on the label.

As for spring water, the rock formations in some springs naturally filter the water. Theoretically, this water should be clean and toxin-free, but it sometimes contains impurities from drilled wells. In some regions, people might collect water from roadside springs, which may be tainted with chemicals, bacteria, and viruses. Where contamination concerns arise, a minimal chemical-free treatment is permitted to address these concerns. Treatment should be performed, if necessary, but in a way that the water retains its original mineral content.

Taste Profile

Taste-wise, there might be a noticeable difference between mineral and spring water. It all boils down to the geological makeup and the natural environment from where the water is abstracted. The high mineral content in mineral water creates slightly sweeter or savory-tasting notes than spring water. This doesn’t always mean mineral water has more minerals but flaunts higher amounts of specific ones, like calcium or sodium. Spring water usually has an impeccably natural and smoother flavor and texture due to its natural filtration process and lower mineral concentration.

Mineral Water vs. Prepared Water: What’s the Difference?

You may find purified or distilled water alongside mineral and spring water in your local supermarket. These are generally referred to as prepared water, though they’re sometimes known as ‘mountain water’ or ‘table water.’ 

Source and Mineral Content

Mineral water is distinct because it comes exclusively from protected underground reservoirs and must retain a specific amount of naturally dissolved solids. On the other hand, prepared water isn’t usually obtained directly from a natural underground source. It can be tapped from lakes, rivers, large reservoirs, or even municipal supplies.

Often, prepared water is stripped of beneficial minerals during processing, which means it might not have the same mineral content offered by natural mineral water sources. While some brands may reintroduce synthetic minerals for taste or nutrition, these additions are unregulated unless explicitly labeled and marketed as “mineral-enhanced” or “re-mineralized.” Even so, the water won’t be a natural source of essential minerals.

Treatment Process and Purity

Mineral water is often prized for its perceived natural purity. Regulations ensure this type of water is bottled right at the source without chemical additives, so it adheres to strict “identity” and “quality” standards but may undergo minimal treatment. This usually isn’t the case with prepared water.

Since prepared water can come from multiple sources (even unprotected ones), it often goes through a purification process that eliminates unwanted and potentially harmful elements. Treatment may involve distillation, reverse osmosis, ozonation, deionization, or other suitable processes, but the goal is to ensure the water meets specific safety requirements for pre-packaged water.

As opposed to mineral water, which, by law, shouldn’t be chemically treated, municipalities are allowed to add chlorine, ozone, or other chemicals to prepared water to disinfect it. Depending on where it’s treated and the local legislation, the resulting beverage may be called “purified water” or “drinking water.”

Learn more: How Do Cities Treat Drinking Water? (Municipal Water Treatment Explained)

Taste Profile

What also sets mineral water apart from prepared water is its flavor. The abundance of minerals in mineral water adds a distinct taste, which might be a good option for those who don’t love plain water. As for prepared water, some might argue that it lacks the nuanced flavors found in spring or mineral water. This is because the treatment usually removes most of its natural minerals. In some cases, trace amounts of chemicals may linger in the water after treatment, imparting an off-putting flavor.

So, Should You Switch from Tap to Mineral Water?

It’s a question on many people’s minds, given the taste and safety concerns surrounding tap water. But as much as mineral water is hailed as the tastier and more healthful choice, there are good reasons to support your local tap water.

A balanced diet is a good source of healthy minerals.

Mineral water may provide many essential minerals that could work wonders for your health and wellness. But your choice of drinking water shouldn’t determine your mineral intake. If it’s just the minerals you’re after, you’re better off sticking with a healthy, varied diet and drinking filtered tap water (more on this below).

Tap water is cheaper than bottled mineral water.

One of the biggest downsides to mineral water is cost, especially when compared to tap water. On average, tap water is 3,000 percent less expensive than bottled water, costing a fraction of a penny per gallon in the U.S. This price difference could be even higher for mineral water, as it’s usually more upscale and pricier than ordinary bottled water. This sometimes-hefty price tag concerns the unique sources of mineral water, the rigorous quality control process to maintain its mineral profile, the distinctive bottles and elegant labels, and the extensive marketing campaigns that position it as a premium product.

Tap water is monitored and regulated in many countries.

Tap water is held to pretty high standards in certain countries, often matching or exceeding those established for bottled water. In the United States, for example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR), while the European Union adheres to the Drinking Water Directive (DWD).

These regulatory frameworks limit contaminants, require regular monitoring and testing, and mandate public water quality reporting. As a result, tap water in these regions must undergo thorough treatment and quality control processes to ensure the highest quality. Plus, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), tap water is usually tested for quality and contamination more frequently than bottled water.

Overconsuming bottled mineral water can backfire.

Mineral water is touted for its abundant natural mineral content, but that very attribute can be a double-edged sword. When consumed beyond safe levels, certain minerals in mineral water can build up in the body and turn toxic. For instance, the excess sodium in mineral waters high in the mineral may increase blood pressure and raise the risk of stroke, heart failure, osteoporosis, stomach cancer, and kidney disease in some people, Harvard School of Public Health notes.

Some mineral waters may also contain chemicals leached from the plastic bottle itself. These chemicals include Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which studies say can interfere with hormones and lead to various health issues. There’s also the risk of ingesting microplastics. The Food Packaging Forum reports that French researchers detected microplastics in seven out of nine best-selling bottled mineral waters tested in 2022. Microplastics have been linked to a variety of health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

Related: Microplastics in Drinking Water & How To Reduce Your Risk of Ingestion

Filtered Tap Water: A More Sustainable Alternative to Mineral Water?

When it comes to sustainability, filtered tap water holds the advantage over mineral water—and there are a few compelling reasons for this. Firstly, tap water significantly reduces plastic waste, as it doesn’t require single-use bottles that often end up in landfills or oceans. You can serve it in reusable glasses and bottles, which, according to Portland.gov, “uses 85% less energy and 79% less greenhouse gas emissions than drinking the same amount of water from a disposable bottle of water.”

Additionally, filtered tap water has a carbon footprint of about 300 times lower than bottled water. It makes sense since tap water doesn’t involve the energy-intensive processes of bottling, packaging, and transporting water across long distances or emitting as much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Instead, it’s piped from a local source, treated in a central facility, and then transported into homes through pipes and out of the tap—no packaging or trucking necessary.

Learn more: The Impacts of Plastic Water Bottles on Pollution & Your Wallet

Filter at Your Tap for Pristine-Quality Drinking Water

Tap water can be a reliable and highly economical drinking water source, so don’t be too quick to write it off. This is especially so where it’s strictly regulated, and the source is high-quality. But for total peace of mind, consider adding an extra layer of protection to your home with a water filter system.

Purifiers like the Moen Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System effectively filter out harmful contaminants in your cold water, including arsenic, fluoride, TDS, bacteria, viruses, lead, mercury, chlorine, and pharmaceuticals. It may also enhance the water’s taste and odor. Although a filter requires a larger initial investment than bottled water, you can enjoy an endless supply of fresh, great-tasting water—without the downsides of dealing with bottled water or the higher total you’ll shell out from constantly buying it over time.

Learn more: 7 Reasons to Choose Filtered Tap Water Over Bottled Water

Final Thoughts

Mineral water is popular among health-conscious consumers but is not a magic bullet. It offers a unique taste and is richer in minerals than, say, spring and prepared water, but don’t count on it to supply the minerals your body needs—a balanced diet is still key. And while tap water might not be naturally as pure or mineral-rich, it’s less expensive, more environmentally friendly, and less likely to contain microplastics.

At the end of the day, the best choice depends on your individual needs and priorities. Whether you choose mineral water, filtered tap water, or something in between, the most important thing is to stay hydrated.