Natural bottled water - sourced from pristine landscapes, free from pollution
In the UK, mineral or spring water accounts for around 97% of bottled water sales - water that has been untouched by humans. The very “naturalness” of bottled water is one of the prime reasons why people choose it over other beverages and chemically treated water from the public supply.
The Natural Hydration Council represents bottled water companies that source their water from regulated natural sources. The water is either classed as natural mineral or spring water:
Natural mineral water must originate from an underground water table, and is bottled at source. It is microbiologically wholesome and naturally free from pollution and harmful micro-organisms. Its stable composition (minerals and trace elements) is preserved by the extraction and bottling methods.
Spring water also originates from an underground water table or deposit and is also bottled at source, is microbiologically wholesome and naturally free from pollution and harmful micro-organisms. However, it does not need to demonstrate a stable composition.
Other water is classed as bottled drinking water. This can come from a variety of sources, including treated tap water. In the UK, much of the water that is labelled bottled drinking water is in fact sourced from springs.
By the very nature of mineral and spring bottled water, the sources are often located in very remote areas, in landscapes relatively free from human influences.
Evian comes from the heart of the pristine heights of the French Alps. Pure, clear rainwater and melting snow slowly filter down through ancient layers of glacial sand and rock, emerging 15 years later at the spring in Evian-les-Bains.
Highland Spring is sourced from the Ochil Hills in Perthshire, an area of outstanding natural beauty. The catchment area is certified as being organic by the Soil Association. It is free from pesticide, and no farming, agricultural spraying, building or habitation is allowed anywhere in the 2,000 acre area.
Volvic is sourced from the Parc Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne in the Massif Central. The source at Clairvic is free from contamination, surrounded by 4,000 hectares of forests and heath land.
Buxton water filters through the ancient limestone of the Peak District. According to the British Geological Survey, the water that emerges from the source today fell as rain over 5000 years ago.
23% of bottled water consumers drink bottled water primarily because it is natural, with a further 36% choosing it for its taste, according to a recent poll by GfK NOP (other primary reasons include convenience, availability and health). These consumers are making an informed choice: where bottled water is an option over tap water, they prefer a natural, unprocessed water, free from the taste of disinfectants and other possible residuals.
External websites:
MEMBERS AREA