Mineral water vs spring water: what is the difference?

What is the difference between mineral water and spring water?

Natural mineral water and spring water have a lot in common. Government guidance on natural mineral water and spring water says both must come from an underground water source, tapped at a natural or drilled exit, and both must be bottled at the source in the containers you buy.

The main difference is that natural mineral water has stricter rules. It must be officially recognised before it can be sold, its mineral content must stay stable, and the mineral content must be shown on the label.

What makes a water natural mineral water?

Natural mineral water comes from a protected underground source and naturally contains minerals from the rocks it passes through. According to the government guidance, producers must get official recognition before they can sell it, and its properties must stay the same from source to bottle. Only a small number of treatments are allowed, such as filtering out unstable elements like iron, and adding or removing carbon dioxide to make it sparkling or still.

The label must show the water's mineral composition, so you can see exactly what you are drinking.

What makes a water spring water?

Spring water also comes from a protected underground source and is bottled at the source. The government guidance says the source must be protected from pollution and the water bottled in sealed containers to avoid contamination. Spring water has fewer rules than natural mineral water. For example, producers do not have to state its mineral composition on the label, although many choose to.

Which minerals are in bottled water?

The minerals in bottled water depend on the rocks the water passes through, so the amounts vary from brand to brand. Common ones include calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. Water with more calcium and magnesium is known as hard water, and the Drinking Water Inspectorate explains that hardness is caused by these dissolved minerals. Hard water can taste slightly different from soft water, so it is worth trying a few brands if you are not keen on one.

Water only provides a small amount of the minerals you need each day. A healthy, balanced diet is where most of them come from.

What about fluoride?

Some natural mineral waters contain fluoride. The government guidance says that if a natural mineral water contains more than 1.5mg of fluoride per litre, its label must say it is not suitable for regular consumption by infants and children under 7 years of age.

Is spring water better for you than mineral water?

Neither is clearly better for you. Both are regulated and safe, and both are a healthy way to stay hydrated. If you want to know exactly which minerals you are getting, natural mineral water must list them on the label. Spring water often does too, but it does not have to.

How much should you drink?

The British Nutrition Foundation says we need about 6 to 8 cups or glasses of fluid a day, and more in hot weather or when active. All non-alcoholic drinks, including tea and coffee, can count. For a comparison with what comes out of your tap, read natural mineral water vs tap water.