“All the water that will ever be is right now.” – National Geographic I try not to buy individual plastic bottles of water because the empty bottles will pile up in landfills for centuries. If I ever need bottled water,... The post Bottled Water Choices appeared first on Sharp Eye.
“All the water that will ever be is right now.” – National Geographic
I try not to buy individual plastic bottles of water because the empty bottles will pile up in landfills for centuries. If I ever need bottled water, my goal is to find the type and brand of bottled water that I like, and then buy it in bulk (much less plastic is used) or arrange for a home delivery service that uses large refillable containers. The last time I went to the supermarket, I was overwhelmed and confused by the many choices of water I could buy. I saw vitamin water, hydrogen water, mineral water, electrolyte water, alkaline water, purified water, and enhanced water. Is there one that is best? Healthiest? Most delicious?
In 2025, Americans spent $51.3 billion on bottled water and drank over 16 billion gallons according to Yahoo Finance. That is a lot of bottled water and a lot of money for something that used to be drunk right from the tap, not to mention the number of plastic bottles not decomposing in our landfills. Here is what I have learned about the choices we have in bottled water.
Most bottled water falls into these broad categories:
- Bottled water aka Purified water usually begins as municipal tap water and is then filtered through processes like reverse osmosis or distillation. Brands are Pure Life, Dasani Purified, Refreshe.
- Spring water comes from underground sources and is often marketed as the most natural option. It comes from rainwater that moves underground and is filtered naturally by rocks and minerals. Brands are Acqua Panna, Crystal Geyser, Evian, Poland Spring.
- Electrolyte waters are considered sports drinks, intended for athletes who lose a lot of fluid. They are not necessary for moderate exercisers because regular water is sufficient to meet those needs. There are added minerals such as potassium or magnesium, often to improve taste more than health. Brands are Core Hydration, Propel, Gatorade.
- Alkaline water promises a higher pH, which some claim can neutralize acid in the bloodstream, provide for enhanced workout recovery, and help prevent disease, though evidence supporting dramatic health claims remains thin. Brands are Evamor, Flow, BodyArmor SportWater.
- Hydrogen water is plain water with hydrogen gas added to it. There are claims that it might have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and improve physical endurance. Most studies have been small, and the findings are mixed. It may be the current champion of ‘expensive ambiguity’, sold in sleek cans with wellness language that sounds vaguely scientific while remaining difficult to substantiate in ordinary daily life. Brands are HFactor, H2 for Life, Susosu.
- Enhanced Waters have added micro-nutrients, including vitamins and sometimes minerals. They come in sugar-sweetened and sugar-free options. In some brands, a 20 fluid ounce bottle has up to 27 grams of added sugar – more than the American Heart Association recommends women consume in an entire day. Brands are Vitamin Water, Essentia Hydroboost, Adirondack Enhanced Water.
- Mineral Water This is a type of spring water- which can be sparkling or still – and must contain at least 250 parts per million total dissolved solids (minerals and trace elements) that are present at the water source, which might include calcium, chlorine, magnesium, potassium, and iron. Brands are Gerolsteiner, Perrier, Topo Chico, San Pellegrino.
The case for tap water: In general, the U.S. has some of the world’s safest drinking water thanks to the standards that public water systems must meet. In addition, roughly 43 million Americans get their water from underground wells. This water is not regulated so homeowners are responsible for making sure their supply is safe for drinking. In some areas, tap water might have a smell or a bad taste, but that does not indicate any kind of public health issue. The human body already regulates minerals, hydration, and pH with astonishing efficiency. Unless you are an endurance athlete sweating heavily for hours, recovering from illness, or living somewhere with unsafe drinking water, the average bottle promising “advanced hydration” is usually solving a problem you do not actually have. Many people have their own water filters for their tap water, either on the countertop, or for the whole house.
The taste of different tap waters can vary depending on their mineral content. They may not be unhealthy, but it might be a case for drinking a bottled water instead.
Of course, marketing is involved in water sales, and it has blurred the line between hydration and image. Bottled water now signals wellness, discipline, even status. A minimalist bottle with lowercase lettering somehow implies superiority over a plastic jug from the grocery store. Yet beneath the branding, much of the water remains remarkably similar. The label may sound like a chemistry lecture, but your body is usually just asking for fluid. Experts advise that people should choose the least complicated option that you will consistently drink. If your local tap water is safe and tastes acceptable, that is probably enough. If filtering it makes you drink more water, the filter is worthwhile. If you genuinely prefer a certain bottled brand and it helps you stay hydrated, that is fine too. Most people do not need designer hydration engineered in a laboratory and wrapped in expensive plastic.
If you reach for individual bottles of water for convenience and portability – consider filling a reusable bottle from the tap.
Check out this relevant ASE article;
Staying Hydrated – How Much Water Intake is Enough?
November 1, 2021
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