Best Bottled Water to Drink

The best bottled water has a clean taste, a reliable source, transparent mineral information and a profile that matches your needs. A good label states source, water type, pH, mineral analysis and whether the water is spring, mineral, purified, artesian, alkaline or sparkling.

Low-mineral waters taste light and clean. High-mineral waters can taste salty, chalky or crisp. Spring, artesian and still mineral waters are often smooth; sparkling mineral waters taste sharper because of carbonation and mineral load.

Most safe drinking water hydrates equally well. Waters with naturally occurring magnesium, calcium, potassium and sodium can feel more refreshing. If you sweat heavily, an electrolyte-rich water may help; if you watch sodium, pick a low-sodium brand.

• Spring water — from an underground source that flows to the surface.
• Mineral water — naturally occurring minerals from a protected source.
• Purified water — treated by filtration, distillation or reverse osmosis.
• Artesian water — from a confined underground aquifer.
• Alkaline water — higher pH, natural or processed.
• Sparkling water — carbonated, naturally or after bottling.

For everyday drinking pick neutral taste and low sodium. For a richer profile compare calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate and TDS. For a crisp finish try sparkling mineral water. For higher pH compare alkaline brands.