In addition to the threat of our wetlands being potentially erased due to ‘watered-down’ regulations, courtesy of the Sackett v. EPA ruling, there exists another issue that has gradually seeped into our waterways over the years and potentially into the bodies of the marine life that we consider as delicacies. It is simply known as microplastics. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are less than 5 millimeters in size. They can come from a variety of sources, including:
- The breakdown of larger plastic items, such as bottles, bags, and packaging.
- Intentionally manufactured products, such as microbeads in personal care products.
- Natural sources, such as sea salt and volcanic ash.
Microplastics can end up in our waterways through a number of ways, including:
- Wastewater: When we flush our toilets or wash our clothes, microplastics can be released into the sewer system. These microplastics can then be released into waterways through wastewater treatment plants.
- Stormwater runoff: When it rains, stormwater runoff can carry microplastics from roads, parking lots, and other paved surfaces into waterways.
- Direct dumping: Microplastics can also be directly dumped into waterways, either intentionally or unintentionally.
Once in the waterways, microplastics can have a number of negative impacts on the environment. They can be ingested by fish and other aquatic animals, which can lead to health problems. Microplastics can also absorb pollutants, which can then be passed on to the animals that ingest them.
In addition, microplastics can also harm the physical environment. They can clog waterways, interfere with the growth of algae and other plants, and damage the shoreline. While the health risks of microplastics are still being studied, some experts believe that they could pose a threat to human health.
Now the simplest solution may be to construct some kind of reliable water filtration system in your home and rely on that. However, if we’re away from our home most of the day, working or dealing with life duties, then our access to that filtered water becomes minimal therefore, we have no choice but to depend on other water sources like bottled water from local stores
So, if you’re concerned about microplastics in your bottled water, there are a few brands that you can choose from that have been shown to contain low levels of these contaminants. Here are the top 10 bottled water brands of 2023 with low microplastics:
Mountain Valley Spring Water is a company that bottles and distributes spring water from the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas. The company was founded in 1871 and is the oldest continuously operating bottled water company in the United States. Mountain Valley Spring Water is known for its pure, crisp taste and its naturally occurring minerals. The water is bottled at the source in glass bottles to preserve its quality. Mountain Valley Spring Water is available in a variety of sizes and is sold nationwide.
Here are some of the key facts about Mountain Valley Spring Water:
- Founded in 1871
- The oldest continuously operating bottled water company in the United States
- Bottled at the source in the Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas
- Known for its pure, crisp taste and its naturally occurring minerals
- Available in a variety of sizes and sold nationwide
Here are some of the benefits of drinking Mountain Valley Spring Water:
- It is a good source of hydration
- It is naturally alkaline, which can help to balance the body’s pH levels
- It contains minerals that are beneficial for health, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium
- It is a good choice for people who are looking for a pure, natural water
Smartwater is a brand of bottled water owned by Energy Brands, a subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company. It was introduced in 1996 in the United States, and by 2016 it was one of the top five most sold brands of bottled water in that country. The brand is also available in other countries including the United Kingdom, France, India, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, The United Arab Emirates, Croatia, Singapore, Serbia, Romania, Malaysia and Canada.
Smartwater is made from vapor-distilled water that has had electrolytes added to it. This process removes impurities and leaves a pure, crisp taste. The electrolytes help to improve hydration and give Smartwater its signature taste.
Smartwater is marketed as a healthier alternative to other bottled waters. It is low in calories and sugar, and it does not contain any artificial flavors or colors. The brand has also been associated with a number of health and wellness initiatives.
In 2008, Smartwater began a partnership with Jennifer Aniston as its global brand ambassador. Aniston appeared in a number of television commercials and print ads for the brand. In 2020, Gal Gadot took over as the global brand ambassador.
Smartwater is a popular choice for athletes and other active people. It is also a good option for people who are looking for a healthy and refreshing alternative to other bottled waters.
Here are some of the key features of Smartwater:
- Made from vapor-distilled water
- Added electrolytes for improved hydration
- Low in calories and sugar
- No artificial flavors or colors
- Associated with health and wellness initiatives
- Popular choice for athletes and active people
Fiji Water is a brand of bottled water derived, bottled, and shipped from Fiji. The water comes from an artesian aquifer in Viti Levu, the largest island in Fiji. Fiji Water is marketed as a premium bottled water, and is known for its soft, smooth taste.
The company was founded in 1996 by David Gilmour, a Canadian businessman. The water was originally bottled under the name Natural Waters of Viti Ltd., but the name was changed to Fiji Water in 1998.
Fiji Water is currently owned by The Wonderful Company, a privately held food and beverage company. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.
Fiji Water is available in over 60 countries around the world. The company is known for its environmental sustainability efforts, and has partnered with Conservation International to protect the water source in Fiji.
Here are some additional facts about Fiji Water:
- The water is bottled at the source, and is not filtered or treated with any chemicals.
- The water has a naturally high pH level of 7.7, which is considered to be alkaline.
- Fiji Water is low in minerals, and has a low sodium content.
- The water is packaged in recyclable plastic bottles.
Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Water is a company that produces and distributes alkaline water sourced from a deep well at the base of Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii. The company was founded in 2012 with the mission of providing healthy, sustainable, and ethical water to people around the world.
Waiakea water is naturally alkaline, with a pH of 8.4. This means that it has a slightly higher pH than regular water, which can be beneficial for people with certain health conditions. The water is also naturally filtered through volcanic rock, which removes impurities and minerals that can be harmful to health.
In addition to its health benefits, Waiakea water is also committed to sustainability. The company uses 100% recycled plastic bottles and offsets its carbon emissions. Waiakea also supports a number of social and environmental initiatives, including reforestation and water conservation programs.
Waiakea water is currently available in the United States, Canada, and Europe. The company is growing rapidly and plans to expand to new markets in the future.
Here are some of the key features of Waiakea water:
- Naturally alkaline with a pH of 8.4
- Naturally filtered through volcanic rock
- 100% recycled plastic bottles
- Carbon neutral
- Supports social and environmental initiatives
Essentia Water is a premium bottled water company that produces ionized alkaline water. The company was founded in 1998 by Ken Uptain, who was inspired by the health benefits of alkaline water that he had experienced while living in Japan. Essentia’s water is produced through a proprietary three-step ionization process that results in water with a pH of 9.5 or higher. The company claims that its water is better for hydration and overall health than regular bottled water.
Essentia Water is currently the leading alkaline water brand in the United States. The company’s products are sold in over 30,000 retail locations nationwide. In 2020, Essentia was acquired by Nestlé for an undisclosed amount.
Here are some of the key features of Essentia Water:
- It is 99.9% pure, with a pH of 9.5 or higher.
- It is infused with trace amounts of electrolytes.
- It is clinically shown to better rehydrate.
- It is available in a variety of sizes and flavors.
JUST Water is a company that sells bottled water in a plant-based carton. The company was founded in 2015 by Jaden Smith, and its mission is to “make water more sustainable and accessible for everyone.” JUST Water is sourced from the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York, and it is bottled in a carton made from FSC-certified paper and a sugarcane-based cap. The company’s cartons are 74% lower in carbon emissions than a similarly-sized plastic bottle, and they are 12x lower in emissions than an aluminum can.
JUST Water is committed to social and environmental responsibility. The company partners with the city of Glens Falls, New York to pay fairly for the water it uses, and it donates a portion of its profits to water-related charities. JUST Water is also a B Corp, which means that it meets rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
JUST Water is available in a variety of retailers across the United States. The company also offers a subscription service that delivers water directly to customers’ homes.
Here are some of the key features of JUST Water:
- 100% natural spring water
- Naturally alkaline pH of 8.0
- Plant-based carton that is 74% lower in carbon emissions than a plastic bottle
- B Corp certified
- Minority-owned
- 100% recyclable
Crystal Geyser Water Company is a private company founded in 1977 in Calistoga, California. They produce bottled sparkling water based on mineral water and spring water sources at their original facility in Calistoga. The company was acquired by Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s parent company Otsuka Holdings Co. Ltd. in 1990.
Crystal Geyser is the original sparkling water brand in the United States. They were the first to introduce flavored sparkling water to the market, and their products are still popular today. The company also produces ready-to-drink teas called Tejava.
Crystal Geyser is committed to quality and excellence. They source their water from pristine springs in California, and their products are bottled at the source without trucking or blending. The company is also a member of the International Bottled Water Association and the American Beverage Association.
Here are some of the key facts about Crystal Geyser Water Company:
- Founded in 1977 in Calistoga, California
- Acquired by Otsuka Pharmaceutical in 1990
- Original sparkling water brand in the United States
- First to introduce flavored sparkling water to the market
- Produces ready-to-drink teas called Tejava
- Committed to quality and excellence
- Sources water from pristine springs in California
- Bottled at the source without trucking or blending
- Member of the International Bottled Water Association and the American Beverage Association
Poland Spring is a brand of bottled water, produced in Poland, Maine. It is named after the original natural spring in the town of Poland, Maine it was drawn from. Today it is a subsidiary of BlueTriton Brands, formerly Nestlé Waters North America, and sold in the United States.
The company was founded in 1845 by John Thompson, who built a bottling plant on the site of the spring. The water was originally marketed as a medicinal spring, but it soon became popular for its taste. In 1980, Poland Spring was acquired by Perrier Group, and in 1992 it was acquired by Nestlé.
Poland Spring is one of the most popular bottled water brands in the United States. It is known for its crisp, refreshing taste and its source in the pristine forests of Maine. The company has a strong commitment to sustainability, and all of its bottles are recyclable.
Here are some additional facts about Poland Spring water company:
- The company sources its water from 14 different springs in Maine.
- Poland Spring water is naturally alkaline, with a pH of 7.5 to 8.2.
- The company’s water is tested for purity by an independent laboratory every day.
- Poland Spring water is sold in over 30 states in the United States.
Acqua Panna is an Italian brand of bottled water that takes its name from the Villa Panna in the hills of Tuscany, where the natural spring was first discovered. The water has been bottled since the 19th century and is now sold in over 150 countries around the world. Acqua Panna is known for its light, refreshing taste and its low mineral content. It is often served at fine dining restaurants and is considered to be one of the best bottled waters in the world.
The company was founded in 1564 by the Marquise Luigi of Torrigiani. In 1899, the company was acquired by the San Pellegrino Group, which is now owned by Nestlé. Acqua Panna is one of the most popular bottled waters in the world and is known for its high quality and its elegant packaging.
Here are some of the key facts about Acqua Panna:
- Founded in 1564
- Headquarters in Milan, Italy
- Distributed in over 150 countries
- Known for its light, refreshing taste
- Low mineral content
- Often served at fine dining restaurants
- One of the best bottled waters in the world
Icelandic Glacial is a bottled water company that sources its water from the Ölfus Spring in Iceland. The spring is located in a remote area of the southwest coast of Iceland, and the water is protected from pollution by the surrounding lava fields and glaciers. Icelandic Glacial water is naturally alkaline, with a pH of 8.4, and it has a low mineral content. The company is committed to sustainability, and its bottling facility is powered by geothermal and hydroelectric energy. Icelandic Glacial was the world’s first bottled water to be certified as CarbonNeutral® for both product and operation.
The company was founded in 2004 by Jon Olafsson and Kristjan Olafsson, two brothers from Iceland. They were inspired to start the company after they learned about the pristine water in Iceland. The company’s headquarters are located in Iceland, and it has offices in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Icelandic Glacial water is available in over 65 countries around the world.
Here are some of the key features of Icelandic Glacial water:
- Sourced from a natural spring in Iceland
- Naturally alkaline, with a pH of 8.4
- Low mineral content
- CarbonNeutral® certified for both product and operation
- Sustainable bottling practices
These brands were chosen based on their low levels of microplastics as measured in independent studies. It’s important to note that no bottled water is completely free of microplastics, so even these brands may contain small amounts of these contaminants.
However, If you’re looking for bottled water or any water source that is as free of microplastics as possible, you may want to consider getting a water filter that can remove these contaminants from your tap water. There are a number of different water filters on the market that can effectively remove microplastics, so you should be able to find one that fits your needs and budget.
Here are some tips for choosing a water filter that can remove microplastics:
- Look for a filter that is certified to remove microplastics.
- Choose a filter that has a high micron rating. A micron rating is a measure of the size of the particles that a filter can remove. A filter with a high micron rating will be able to remove smaller particles, including microplastics.
- Change the filter regularly. The filter will become less effective over time, so it’s important to change it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other bottled waters that are free of microplastics. It is important to do your own research to find bottled water that is right for you.