Is mineral water healthier than tap water? For most people, no, not in any way that matters. Mineral water contains more dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, and some brands contain a useful amount. But safe tap water already hydrates you just as well, often contains some of the same minerals, and costs a tiny fraction of the price. The real question is whether your tap water is safe, not whether mineral water is better.
Below is what makes mineral water different by law, how bottled and tap water are regulated, where mineral water can help, and when tap water is the better choice.
What makes mineral water “mineral water”?
In the U.S. it has a legal definition. The Food and Drug Administration says mineral water comes from an underground source and “contains at least 250 parts per million total dissolved solids.” Its federal standard adds that the minerals must be natural: “No minerals may be added to this water,” and the mineral levels must stay constant at the source.
That 250 ppm floor is the only requirement. Above it, mineral content varies enormously between brands, from lightly mineralized waters to ones with several thousand ppm. Our list of the best mineral water to drink compares brands by their minerals.
Mineral water vs tap water at a glance
| Mineral water | Tap water | |
|---|---|---|
| Regulated by | FDA (as bottled water) | EPA (public water systems) |
| Minerals | At least 250 ppm TDS, naturally present | Varies by area; hard water has more calcium and magnesium |
| Lead limit | 5 ppb (FDA bottled water standard) | Action level of 15 ppb (EPA), because lead can come from pipes |
| Cost | Much higher per gallon | Very low per gallon |
| Plastic | Often in plastic bottles | No packaging unless you add it |
| Taste | Distinct, can be salty or chalky | Depends on source and treatment |
Is bottled water safer than tap water?
Not automatically. The FDA says its bottled water standards are kept “compatible with EPA standards for public drinking water,” but that “standards for bottled water and public drinking water differ.” Lead is the clearest example: the FDA notes that EPA’s action level for tap water is 15 ppb because lead can enter from service lines and household plumbing, while “the lead limit is set at 5 ppb” for bottled water.
That difference is about pipes, not the treated water itself. If your home has old lead pipes or you are on an untested private well, bottled or filtered water can be the safer choice until you test. Our guide on whether tap water is safe to drink walks through how to check your local water report.
Does mineral water have health benefits?
It can add small amounts of calcium and magnesium to your diet, and some high-mineral brands contain enough to be worth noting on the label. For most people eating a normal diet, food supplies far more of these minerals than water does. Mineral water is a reasonable choice if you enjoy it; it is not a medical upgrade over safe tap water.
Two things to watch on the label: sodium, which is high in some brands, and whether it is sparkling, which adds mild acidity. Our guide to mineral water and electrolytes shows what is actually in the bottle.
When tap water is the better choice
- Your local water report shows it meets EPA standards, and your home’s plumbing is not a lead concern.
- You want to drink large amounts every day without the cost or plastic.
- You are on a low-sodium diet and the mineral water you like is high in sodium.
When mineral or bottled water makes sense
- Your home has lead service lines or old plumbing and you have not tested.
- You are under a boil water notice.
- You are on a private well that has not been tested recently.
- You simply prefer the taste, and the cost does not bother you.
A good middle ground for many homes is a certified filter on the tap. Our guide to mineral vs purified water covers the other bottled option.
Frequently asked questions
Is mineral water better for you than tap water?
Not for most people. It contains more minerals, but safe tap water hydrates just as well. Mineral water is a taste and preference choice, not a health necessity.
Is it OK to drink mineral water every day?
Yes, for most people. Check the label for sodium if you are watching your salt intake.
What is the legal definition of mineral water?
In the U.S., the FDA defines mineral water as water from an underground source with at least 250 ppm total dissolved solids, with no minerals added.
Who regulates tap water and bottled water?
The EPA regulates public tap water, and the FDA regulates bottled water, including mineral water.
Is bottled water safer than tap water?
Not automatically. Standards differ, and bottled water has a lower lead limit, but safe tap water in a home without lead plumbing is as safe for most people.
Does tap water contain minerals?
Yes, often. Hard tap water contains calcium and magnesium; the amount depends on where your water comes from.
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Bottled Water Everywhere: Keeping It Safe.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 21 CFR 165.110, Bottled water.
