Mineral water is a geological signature in a bottle. Here's how the rock formations under each country shape the brands you drink.
Water flowing through limestone picks up calcium. Dolomite gives high magnesium. Volcanic basins add bicarbonate and natural carbonation. The deeper and slower the journey through the rock, the more mineralized the water becomes. That's why Slovenia's deep Rogaška aquifer produces the world's most magnesium-rich water and the German Eifel produces some of the most heavily mineralized sparkling waters on earth.
Volcanic Eifel region and Bad Neuenahr basin — naturally carbonated, very high mineral content.
Featured brands: Gerolsteiner, Apollinaris, Selters
Vosges, Alps and Massif Central — wide range from soft Alpine (Evian) to extreme calcium (Contrex).
Featured brands: Evian, Perrier, Contrex, Badoit, Vittel, Volvic
Volcanic origins in Tuscany and the Apennines — naturally sparkling Ferrarelle, soft Acqua Panna.
Featured brands: San Pellegrino, Acqua Panna, Ferrarelle
Caucasus volcanic springs — Borjomi's bicarbonate level is among the world's highest.
Featured brands: Borjomi
Rogaška Slatina aquifer — produces Donat Mg, the world's most magnesium-rich water.
Featured brands: Donat Mg
Alpine and Edelstal springs — moderate-mineral balanced sparkling waters.
Featured brands: Römerquelle, Vöslauer
Arkansas springs, Saratoga and Southwest aquifers — generally lower TDS than European peers.
Featured brands: Mountain Valley, Saratoga, Arrowhead
