Natural Mineral Water vs Spring Water: What is the Real Difference?

Natural Mineral Water vs Spring Water: What is the Real Difference?

Have you ever wondered what sets Natural Mineral Water apart from spring water? With so many bottles of water on the market, it's common to feel overwhelmed by the variety of choices available. 

Natural mineral water and spring water have unique characteristics that make them distinct. In this article, we'll get into the specifics of mineral vs spring water, shedding light on their differences to help you make an informed choice for your hydration needs. 

Whether you're seeking rich mineral content or a refreshing natural taste, understanding the differences can guide you towards the perfect bottled water for your lifestyle.

At a Glance: Key Differences Between Natural Mineral and Spring Water

  • Source: Both Natural Mineral Water and spring water originate from protected underground sources and are subject to the same conditions regarding extraction, exploitation, and source protection.
  • Mineral Content: Natural Mineral Water has a stable, labelled mineral composition; spring water's composition isn't required to be listed.
  • Safety: Both must be free from contaminants and meet stringent safety standards.
  • Treatment: Both Natural Mineral Water and spring water must be potable at the source and are subject to similar permitted treatments, including ozone-enriched air and activated alumina.
  • Examples: Natural Mineral Water (Evian, Hepar); spring water (Highland Spring, Volvic).

What is Natural Mineral Water?

Natural Mineral Water is a specific type of bottled water that originates from a protected underground source and contains various minerals and trace elements, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. It is the only category of bottled water which is a consistent and reliable source of mineral salts.

Key Characteristics of Natural Mineral Water

  1. Microbiological Purity: Natural Mineral Water must maintain its natural purity from the source to the bottle. This means that its mineral properties remain consistent and are not altered during the bottling process. The water can then state ‘Natural’ + ‘Mineral’ on the label.
  2. Stable Composition: The mineral content of the water must be stable and clearly labelled on the packaging. The name of the source must also be the most prominent thing on the bottle’s label.
  3. Treatment Rules: There are only a few permitted treatments for Natural Mineral Water to ensure its safety and quality. These treatments include filtration to remove unstable elements and decantation to separate unwanted particles. Treatments using ozone-enriched air or activated alumina are also allowed under strict conditions to remove specific contaminants like iron, manganese, and fluoride.
  4. Official Recognition: Natural Mineral Water must be officially recognised by the relevant local authority. This involves a rigorous testing and validation process to ensure the water meets all necessary standards for natural Natural Mineral Water. 
  5. Bottling at the Source: To avoid contamination, Natural Mineral Water must be bottled at the site of the spring. The source must also be tested for up to two years to earn classification.


Regulatory Standards

The permitted treatments for both Natural Mineral Water and spring water are generally the same under EU, Welsh, and Northern Irish regulations. However, in England and Scotland, the regulations allow for disinfection of spring water, provided the source is clean. This disinfection is permitted as a precautionary measure to prevent contamination during the bottling process, whereas it is not allowed under EU, Welsh, and Northern Irish laws.

What is Spring Water?

Spring water is bottled water that originates from a protected underground source. While both Natural Mineral Water and spring water must comply with the same filtration restrictions, spring water does not require a stable mineral composition over time. The natural variability in the mineral content of spring water is due to potential changes in the underground rock layers through which the water filters before being collected, rather than any treatment or filtration process.

Key Characteristics of Spring Water

  1. Source: Similarly to Natural Mineral Water, spring water must be bottled at source and cannot be tankered somewhere else. 
  2. Safety: To be classified as spring water, it must be free of parasites and bacteria that cause disease. The source must be protected from pollution and be safe to drink.

Regulatory Standards

Spring water is subject to strict microbiological standards and must be microbiologically wholesome at the source, meaning it must already be free from pathogenic microorganisms before bottling. This requirement is shared with Natural Mineral Water but differs from bottled drinking water (BDW) and tap water, which can undergo more extensive treatment to meet safety requirements.

From a regulatory perspective, spring water must comply with:

  • Chemical composition standards under the Drinking Water Directive (EC/98/83 in GB, now recast in the EU) - the same requirements applied to bottled drinking water and tap water but different from Natural Mineral Water, which has distinct chemical composition requirements.
  • Microbiological composition standards under the Natural Mineral Water Directive, make it more restrictive than bottled drinking water and tap water in terms of microbiological purity.
  • Its radiological composition (parameters to be measured and maximum limits) must comply with EURATOM, so it is the same as bottled drinking water and tap water. There are no requirements to measure radionuclides in Natural Mineral Water.

While spring water, Natural Mineral Water, bottled drinking water, and tap water are all safe for consumption, the key distinction is that Natural Mineral Water and spring water must be microbiologically wholesome at source, meaning the source of the water must already be free of microbiological pathogens or you cannot bottle it.

What are Some Examples?

At Aqua Amore, we offer a diverse selection of bottled waters to cater to every palate and preference. Our extensive range includes both Natural Mineral Water and spring water, ensuring that our customers have access to the finest quality hydration options.

Aqua Amore allows you to easily filter your search by classification to explore our extensive range of Natural Mineral Water and spring waters. Browse through your favourites or discover a new taste with just a click.

Natural Mineral Water vs Spring Water: The Bottom Line

Both Natural Mineral Water and spring water originate from protected underground sources and must be microbiologically wholesome at the source, meaning they cannot undergo disinfection or treatment to remove contaminants. However, Natural Mineral Water is subject to stricter regulations regarding its chemical composition.

While both meet high microbiological and safety standards, Natural Mineral Water is uniquely defined by its consistent mineral profile and must be officially recognised for its composition and purity.

Your choice between the two should be based on your personal preferences and health needs. Always check the source of your water to ensure it's clean and safe. No matter which type you choose, the most important thing is to stay hydrated and enjoy the refreshing benefits of these natural waters.

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