There are two classifications of naturally sourced bottled water (below).When combined, these account for around 97%^[1]of UK bottled water sales.  In addition there is a “bottled water” or “table water” classification, which is not necessarily naturally sourced.

Natural mineral water

Natural mineral water must originate from an identified and protected underground source and be bottled at source.  It must also be guaranteed to be consistent in composition and naturally wholesome, as well as microbiologically safe without treatment.  Natural mineral water status is only granted to waters that are demonstrated to be free from pollution and have a characteristic stable composition.

Spring water

Spring water must originate from an underground source, be bottled at source and be microbiologically safe without treatment.  It may include the removal of certain minerals as defined by the European Union Scientific Committee for Food (the removal of certain minerals is also allowed for Natural Mineral Water).

Both the above product classifications - mineral water and spring water – rely upon the natural structure of their catchment area and the construction of their abstraction equipment to deliver water that is microbiologically fit for consumption at source without treatment. This is the key criteria for the ‘natural’ description and these waters account for around 97%^[2]of UK bottled water sales.

Table water (other bottled drinking waters)

Table water must be microbiologically and compositionally safe to drink in the bottle, not at source. This means that while treatments are permitted (eg reverse osmosis filtration, ultra violet radiation, micro filtration but are not compulsory).