What Type of Water is Best for Me?
From our soups to our smoothies, water is in everything we consume—but that doesn’t
mean it’s all the same. In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between spring, artesian,
purified, distilled, and alkaline water and how to choose the one that’s best for you.
Spring Water
Spring water comes from a groundwater aquifer that flows naturally to the surface. It is collected
at the spring or through a borehole hydraulically connected to the spring.1 Spring water typically
contains a variety of essential minerals like magnesium and calcium.2 It is naturally filtered
through geologic layers of earth and flows, resulting in a crisp, refreshing taste.
Artesian Water
Artesian water comes from a well tapping a confined aquifer that is protected from surface
contaminants.3 Many people appreciate it for its naturally occurring trace minerals and taste.
Because artesian wells are located only in confined aquifers where specific geological
conditions are present, artesian water is only available in select regions.
Purified Water
Purified water (ex: reverse osmosis) undergoes a stringent purification process to reduce or
remove impurities like bacteria, viruses, taste/odor compounds such as chlorine, organic
compounds such as pesticides and herbicides, as well as reducing undesirable contaminants
and heavy metals such as lead. Because it’s purified, it can come from any potable water
source, including tap, spring or well water.
The purification process typically includes methods such as reverse osmosis, carbon filtration,
or microfiltration, and results in a crisp, clean taste.4 In order to be labeled “purified”, purified
water must meet strict guidelines set forth by the FDA and EPA.5
Distilled Water
Distilled water is a type of purified water. It is created through a process of evaporation and
condensation, which removes over 99.9% of the minerals dissolved in water.6 As a result, it has
a very neutral taste. Due to its high purity levels and non-scaling nature, distilled water is often
used in laboratories, cosmetics, engines and home appliances like irons, humidifiers and CPAP
machines.
Alkaline Water
Primo Water’s alkaline water product, Primo Plus, is purified water with added minerals and has
a pH level above 7 (typically at 9.5 at the time of bottling). Water can be made alkaline naturally
when water passes over rocks and picks up minerals, or food grade minerals can be added to
raise the pH to an alkaline level.7
Note: Though alkaline water is thought to be well-tolerated, it may not be suitable for everyone,
given its elevated pH level. Check with your doctor before switching to alkaline water as your
primary water type.
How to Choose the Best Water for You
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right water for you will depend on your individual
preferences and needs. When making this decision, consider the following factors:
● Do I like the taste?
● Does it contain necessary essential minerals and electrolytes?
● Is it easy and convenient for me to drink?
Where Can I Get My Water Type?
From delivery to refill to exchange, we offer three options for you to get your favorite water:
Delivery
We offer all water types exclusively through our water delivery service. Get your favorite water
without leaving home! Visit water.com to find out what water types are available in your area.
Refill
Our self-service refill stations make high-quality hydration easier + more affordable than ever!
Visit one of our 23,500 refill stations to get your fill.
Exchange
You can pick up 3 + 5 gallon bottles of water at one of our water exchange stations. When
you’re finished with your bottle, simply trade it in for a new one!
Once you’ve decided on your water type, you can also shop for at-home or on-the-go water dispensers
to fit your lifestyle. Here’s to drinking big for your health!
1 https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=165.110
2 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1525-1497.2001.04189.x
3 https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/artesian-water-and-artesian-wells
4 https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/home-water-treatment/water-filters.html
5 https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/bottled-water-everywhere-keeping-it-safe
6 https://www.webmd.com/diet/distilled-water-overview
7 https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/alkaline-water-benefits-risks