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

Water is the foundation of life, but not all water is the same. If you’ve ever stood in the bottled water aisle wondering whether to grab spring water or purified water, you’re not alone. Some people love the fresh, mineral-rich taste of spring water, while others prefer the ultra-clean, neutral flavor of purified water.

With so many options out there, knowing what sets these two apart can help you make the best choice for your health, lifestyle, and the environment. Let’s break it down.

What is Spring Water? What is Purified Water?

Spring Water

• Comes from underground springs or aquifers and is naturally filtered through rock and soil.
• Retains essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, influencing taste and composition.
• Undergoes minimal filtration—just enough to remove harmful contaminants while preserving its natural minerals.
• Marketed as a more “natural” form of drinking water due to its source.
• The taste varies depending on the minerals present in the original water source.

Purified Water

• Some or all contaminants may be removed based on the purification process used (distillation, reverse osmosis, or carbon filtration).
• Eliminates bacteria, chemicals, and other impurities.
• Often has minerals removed as well, making the taste more neutral.
• Used in household applications (CPAP machines, humidifiers, irons) and labs or hospitals because of its high purity.
• Some individuals or brands may add minerals back into the purified water to alter or improve taste preference.

Key Differences Between Spring and Purified Water

1. Source & Processing
   • Spring water comes from natural underground sources and is lightly processed to remove contaminants while keeping minerals intact.
   • Purified water can be from any water source, including tap water (typically sourced from surface water), but goes through a single or multiple-step filtration process to ensure maximum purity.
2. Taste & Quality
   • Spring water retains natural minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which contribute to a wide range of flavor profiles.
   • Purified water removes some or all of the minerals (depending on the purification method), resulting in a clean, neutral taste.
   • Some people believe minerals from water are beneficial. However, health professionals and studies have shown minerals to have negative health effects due to their inorganic state.
3. Mineral Content
   • Spring water can contain a wide range of minerals and concentration levels, which is dependent on the water source or additional minerals added after collection and before distribution.
   • Purified water is pure and clean, sometimes described as a neutral flavor profile because it removes some or all minerals.
   • Taste preference varies—some enjoy the natural mineral flavors of spring water, while others prefer the crisp, pure taste of purified water.
4. Regulations & Safety
   • Bottled spring water must meet specific quality standards based on its source.
   • Purified water must meet strict filtration requirements to ensure it’s free of contaminants.
   • Both are regulated by the FDA and EPA, but the standards may differ.

The Myth of Essential Minerals in Drinking Water

Inorganic minerals in drinking water, often misunderstood, are essentially dissolved rock that our bodies cannot effectively absorb. Unlike plants, which convert these minerals into organic forms through microbial and photosynthetic processes, humans obtain necessary minerals from food, not water. While bottled water companies may market mineral content as beneficial, the reality is that water contains only trace amounts—far too little to contribute meaningfully to our nutrition. Moreover, water’s primary role in the body is to transport nutrients, lubricate, cool, aid in excretion, and enhance electronegativity. When burdened with inorganic minerals, salts, and toxins, water becomes less effective at performing these functions, potentially leading to health issues such as kidney disease and arterial blockages.

Health Benefits & Potential Concerns

Why People Choose Spring Water

• Contains natural minerals, which some believe support overall health.
• Can be naturally alkaline.
• Favored by those who prefer natural, minimally processed water.

Why People Choose Purified Water

• Free from bacteria, contaminants, and heavy metals.
• Distilled water is the cleanest option, often recommended as the best option for drinking water.
• A reliable choice for all age groups, including infants and people with health concerns.

Are There Any Downsides?

• Spring water may still contain trace amounts of natural contaminants, such as microorganisms or heavy metals, depending on its source, which may result in health risks or concerns.
• Minerals in spring water are inorganic, meaning your body may not absorb them as efficiently as those from food.
• Purified water, especially distilled water, requires electricity to operate. 
• Reverse osmosis and other purification methods can waste large amounts of water during filtration.

Environmental Impact: Sustainability & Packaging

Spring Water

• Typically bottled in single-use plastic, contributing to pollution and waste, and transportation can increase carbon footprint.
• Large-scale extraction can deplete natural springs and harm local ecosystems.

Purified Water

• Can be filtered at home, reducing reliance on plastic bottles.
• Some filtration methods can use additional energy during purification or excess waste water.

Which is More Eco-Friendly?

• Bottled spring water has a higher environmental impact due to plastic waste and transportation emissions.
• Filtering tap water at home is the most sustainable choice.
• Using reusable stainless steel or glass bottles further reduces environmental impact.

How to Choose the Best Water for You

For Everyday Drinking

• Spring water may be preferable if you enjoy the natural taste and don’t mind slight mineral variations.
• Purified water is ideal if you prioritize consistent purity and safety.

For Health & Fitness

• Spring water is preferred by some athletes for the trace amounts of electrolytes.
• Purified water is great for detoxing since it helps to eliminate potential contaminants.

For Taste Preferences

• Spring water has a mineral-rich taste that some find refreshing.
• Purified water is clean and pure for those who prefer no added or altered taste.

Final Thoughts

Both spring and purified water have their pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your preferences and lifestyle:

• Spring water offers natural minerals and a unique taste but may contain impurities.
• Purified water is ultra-clean and safe, making it a top choice for those who prioritize purity.

At the end of the day, both spring and purified water have their benefits, but if you’re looking for the cleanest, safest option, purified water is the way to go. Unlike spring water, which can contain trace contaminants and minerals your body can’t fully absorb, distilled water is the best water purification method. Distillation effectively removes all contaminants and impurities, resulting in the purest form of water. Its clean and crisp taste makes it a great choice for anyone who wants to maximize hydration. If your top priorities are health, safety, and clean drinking water, distilled water is the clear winner.

What’s your go-to water choice? Let us know in the comments!

If you enjoyed this blog, take a look at some of our other related articles:

• 10 Reasons You Should Drink Distilled Water
• A Guide to the Highest Level of Water Quality: The Distillation Difference
• What is the Difference Between Water Purification and Water Distillation?
• Is Distilled Water Safe To Drink?