Spring Water vs. Purified Water: What’s the Difference?
Quick Summary: Spring water and purified water may look the same on the shelf, but they’re filtered and sourced very differently. This blog explains how each type is processed, what makes them unique, and how to choose the best option for your health, appliances, and taste preferences. Plus, learn how a Culligan system can help you get clean, great-tasting water at home—no bottles required.
Buying bottled water at the store can feel surprisingly overwhelming. With labels like spring, mineral, deionized, purified, and distilled, it’s easy to wonder what all these terms really mean—and which type of water is right for you.
Understanding the difference between spring and purified water starts with how each is sourced and filtered. According to the FDA, bottled water typically falls into one of three regulated categories:
- Spring Water
- Mineral Water
- Purified Water
Let’s break down the key differences between the most common options: spring water and purified water.
What Is Spring Water?
To be legally classified as natural spring water, the FDA requires that the water comes from an underground spring or well. That means the source must naturally flow to the surface or be tapped through a borehole that accesses the aquifer.
Once collected, spring water is filtered to remove harmful contaminants—but unlike other forms of water treatment, spring water filtration often retains naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals are what give spring water its signature taste and potential health benefits.
Many people prefer spring water for its “fresh-from-nature” feel, slightly alkaline pH, and subtle mineral notes.
What Is Purified Water?
Purified water is essentially water in its purest chemical form, free from almost all dissolved solids and contaminants. According to FDA guidelines, purified water must go through at least one of the following processes:
- Reverse Osmosis (RO)
- Distillation
- Deionization
These methods strip the water of most substances—including beneficial minerals—resulting in a cleaner, more neutral taste. You’ll often see bottled water labeled as “reverse osmosis water” or “deionized water,” which are both considered types of purified water under FDA definitions.
Purified water is ideal for people who are concerned about waterborne contaminants or who prefer the crisp, clean profile of ultra-filtered water.
Spring Water vs. Purified Water: Which Is Better?
The best choice for you often depends on your lifestyle, taste preference, and how you plan to use the water.
- If you want natural minerals: Spring water is a great option thanks to its untouched mineral content.
- If you prefer a cleaner taste: Purified water is more neutral in flavor and may be gentler on sensitive stomachs.
- For household appliances or humidifiers: Purified water is recommended since minerals in spring water can cause scale buildup or reduce performance.
- For all-around convenience: Consider a home water system that provides the benefits of purified water from every tap.
Want Better Water at Home? Skip the Bottles.
If you’re relying on bottled water every day, it may be time to upgrade how you access clean, great-tasting water—right from the tap.
Culligan’s water filtration solutions make it easy to ditch the bottle and still get reliable, high-quality water at home. Here are a few ways we help:
- Whole Home Filtration Systems: Remove sediment, chlorine, and other contaminants from all the water entering your home, improving water for drinking, bathing, and cleaning.
- Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Systems: Deliver ultra-purified water at your kitchen sink, ideal for cooking, hydration, and even medical devices.
Our systems are tailored to your local water conditions and backed by decades of expertise in water science. Plus, you can start with a free in-home water test to learn exactly what’s in your water.
