Choosing a daily drinking water goes beyond grabbing the first bottle on the shelf. The source, purification method, pH balance, and even the packaging all influence how clean and beneficial that sip really is for your body.
I’m Rikta — the founder and writer behind FitlyFast. I’ve spent years analyzing water quality reports, filtration technologies, and mineral profiles to cut through the marketing and identify what actually matters in a healthy bottled water.
This guide compares seven contenders based on source integrity, purity processes, electrolyte content, and packaging sustainability to help you find the finest bottled water to drink for health that fits your daily needs.
How To Choose The Best Bottled Water To Drink For Health
Not all bottled water is created equal. Three core factors separate a genuinely healthy option from ordinary packaged water: the original water source, the purification and processing methods used, and the mineral and electrolyte profile it delivers.
Source and Origin
The source defines the baseline purity and mineral content. Natural artesian water from protected aquifers, like FIJI and Hawaiian Springs, starts with a distinct mineral fingerprint. Spring water is collected at the source and retains natural electrolytes. Purified water can come from any source (even municipal) and is then treated to remove impurities. For health-focused buyers, water sourced from a pristine, protected environment typically offers a cleaner foundation.
Purification and pH
Check the purification method. Vapor distillation and reverse osmosis are the gold standards for removing heavy metals, chlorine, and pharmaceuticals. Some brands then add electrolytes back for taste. pH level also matters: neutral water sits around 7.0, while mildly alkaline options (7.5-9.5 pH) are favored by many for their smoother taste and potential acid-balancing benefits. Avoid extremes above 10 pH, which can feel harsh.
Packaging and Sustainability
The container interacts with the water over time. BPA-free plastic is standard, but aluminum and glass bottles eliminate any plastic leaching risk entirely. Packaging also impacts the planet: brands using 100% recycled plastic or ocean-bound materials reduce environmental footprint. For long-term storage, aluminum cans offer better durability and temperature retention than plastic.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIJI Natural Artesian | Natural Artesian | Daily hydration & pure taste | 7.7 pH, natural electrolytes | Amazon |
| ZenWTR Vapor Distilled | Alkaline Purified | Ultra-purity & eco-conscious | 9.5 pH, vapor distillation | Amazon |
| Open Water Still | Purified | Zero plastic, on-the-go | Aluminum bottle, BPA-free | Amazon |
| NO DAYS OFF Premium | Alkaline Purified | Performance hydration | 8.1 pH, RO with minerals | Amazon |
| Perfect Hydration 9.5+ | Alkaline Purified | High-alkaline daily drinking | 9.5+ pH, 9-stage filtration | Amazon |
| Eternal Spring Water | Natural Spring | Clean natural taste | Natural pH 7.8-8.2 | Amazon |
| Hawaiian Springs Artesian | Natural Artesian | Exotic source, premium taste | Volcanic filtration, 7.7 pH | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. FIJI Natural Artesian Bottled Water
FIJI Water is sourced from a protected artesian aquifer in the remote Fijian Islands, naturally filtered through volcanic rock over centuries. This slow filtration process gives it a distinct soft, smooth mouthfeel and a balanced pH of 7.7, with more than double the naturally occurring electrolytes of other premium brands. Its purity is so consistent that customers report using it in appliances like fabric steamers without mineral buildup or clogging.
Each 1.5-liter bottle is large enough for all-day hydration at home or the office, and the square, sturdy bottle design is easy to grab from the fridge. The pack of 12 provides 608 total fluid ounces, making it a reliable bulk option for households. Reviews consistently praise its clean taste with zero metallic aftertaste, a common complaint with standard purified waters.
While the bottles are plastic, the water’s natural electrolyte profile and source integrity make it a standout for those prioritizing mineral content and flavor. Customers note it is preferred over cheaper alternatives and describe it as the only water worth drinking. The main trade-off is that the bottles go fast because the taste makes it hard to stop reaching for one.
Why it’s great
- Naturally occurring electrolytes from volcanic filtration
- Consistently clean, smooth taste with no aftertaste
- Large 1.5L bottles reduce plastic use per ounce
- Versatile for drinking and appliance use without scaling
Good to know
- Plastic bottle packaging; not infinitely recyclable like aluminum
- Heavier case weight (over 40 pounds) for delivery
2. ZenWTR Ultra-Pure Vapor Distilled Water
ZenWTR delivers the highest standard of purification available: vapor distillation. Water is boiled, turned to steam, and condensed back into liquid, leaving behind virtually all contaminants including heavy metals, chlorine, and pharmaceuticals. After distillation, the water is ionized to reach a 9.5 pH and enhanced with a proprietary blend of calcium, potassium, and magnesium for a crisp, refreshing taste.
The packaging is a major differentiator. ZenWTR uses 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic and is certified plastic-negative, meaning they recover and recycle twice the plastic they produce. Each 1-liter bottle is lightweight and the 12-pack provides 405 fluid ounces of ultra-pure water. This makes it one of the most environmentally responsible premium water options available.
Customer feedback highlights the clean taste, comparing it favorably to other premium brands like Volvic, especially when served near-frozen. However, some deliveries suffer from poor packing that can crush the aluminum bottles, and the product frequently sells out, requiring repeat orders. If purity and sustainability are your top priorities, this is a top contender.
Why it’s great
- Vapor distillation removes the broadest range of impurities
- Certified plastic-negative with 100% recycled ocean-bound bottles
- Alkaline 9.5 pH with added electrolytes for taste
Good to know
- Frequent stock issues and purchase limits
- Aluminum bottles can dent during shipping with poor packaging
3. Open Water Still Bottled Water
Open Water is built around a simple philosophy: eliminate plastic entirely. Each 16-ounce bottle is made from 100% recyclable, BPA-free aluminum with an aluminum screw cap, making it infinitely recyclable without quality loss. The water itself is ultra-purified through a multi-step system and has a balanced pH, with added electrolytes for a clean taste. It’s also Climate Neutral Certified and a 1% for the Planet member, supporting ocean conservation.
The resealable aluminum bottle is shatter-resistant and keeps water colder longer than plastic, making it ideal for gym bags, hiking, and emergency storage. The 12-pack case is compact and easy to stock. Customers describe the taste as the best water they’ve tried, often preferring it over plastic-bottled alternatives, and they love the environmental mission behind the brand.
There are two common drawbacks: the bottles are hard to open initially due to the aluminum cap seal, and the thin aluminum walls dent easily if dropped or packed tightly. Some users also report that the bottles can leak if tipped over, even when closed. Despite these packaging quirks, the water quality and sustainability commitment make this a strong choice for eco-conscious buyers.
Why it’s great
- Zero plastic; 100% infinitely recyclable aluminum bottles
- Climate Neutral Certified with ocean conservation contributions
- Keeps water colder longer than plastic bottles
Good to know
- Bottles can dent easily and may leak when tipped
- Seal on cap is very tight and difficult to open at first
4. NO DAYS OFF Premium Water
NO DAYS OFF positions itself as performance hydration without the extremes. The water goes through reverse osmosis for ultra-purification, then is enhanced with calcium, magnesium, and potassium to reach a balanced 8.1 pH. This avoids the aggressive alkalinity of 9.5+ waters while still offering a smooth, non-acidic taste. There are no sugars, sweeteners, or artificial additives—just pure water with minerals.
Packaged in BPA-free, 100% recyclable aluminum cans, the 12-pack is convenient for gym bags, office desks, and outdoor activities. The 16-ounce cans are lightweight and the slim profile fits most cup holders. Customers consistently highlight the clean, crisp taste and note that it satisfies thirst more effectively than sugary sports drinks or iced tea. Many find it ideal for workouts or as a daily replacement for standard bottled water.
The main downside is that the cans are made from thin aluminum and can dent from rough handling during shipping or in a bag. A few customers mention minor printing imperfections on the cans, but no leaks or bursting have been reported. Overall, it’s a well-rounded, moderately alkaline water that balances purity, mineral content, and sustainable packaging at a sensible midpoint.
Why it’s great
- Reverse osmosis purification removes contaminants effectively
- Balanced 8.1 pH with added calcium, magnesium, potassium
- Lightweight aluminum cans, BPA-free and recyclable
Good to know
- Thin aluminum can walls dent relatively easily
- Some cans may arrive with minor cosmetic printing imperfections
5. Perfect Hydration 9.5+ pH Alkaline Water
Perfect Hydration takes a high-alkaline approach with a pH of 9.5 or higher, achieved through ionization after a proprietary 9-stage filtration process. The water is sourced and bottled in the USA, and the filtration system ensures it is free from dissolved solids and chemical residues. A proprietary blend of minerals and electrolytes is added to improve taste and mouthfeel, delivering a crisp, smooth drinking experience.
Packaging is a key feature: Perfect Hydration uses 100% recycled plastic PET-1 bottles that are themselves 100% recyclable, making it one of the more sustainable plastic-bottle options. The 1-liter size is a versatile mid-point—large enough for desk hydration but not as bulky as 1.5L bottles. The case of 12 bottles totals 405 fluid ounces. Customers appreciate the quality-to-price balance, noting that the water tastes clean and refreshing with no artificial notes.
Feedback is generally positive, but some customers find the price prohibitive for regular purchase, describing it as too expensive for daily use despite loving the water quality. Delivery issues have been reported, including packages not being left in requested safe locations, which can be a problem for heavier cases. If you want a high-pH water without going to extremes, this is a solid mid-range option.
Why it’s great
- High 9.5+ pH for alkalinity without harshness
- 9-stage filtration for thorough purification
- Bottles made from 100% recycled plastic
Good to know
- Cost can be a barrier for long-term regular use
- Heavy case (over 55 pounds) may be difficult to handle
6. Eternal Naturally Alkaline Spring Water
Eternal water comes from a natural spring and arrives with its naturally occurring alkaline pH between 7.8 and 8.2. There is no ionization or added minerals—the electrolyte profile is entirely from the source. The water is bottled in BPA-free and phthalate-free plastic, and the pack of 24 20-ounce bottles delivers a total of 484 fluid ounces, making it a bulk-friendly option for families or regular drinkers.
Taste is where Eternal consistently wins praise. Multiple customers describe it as delicious, super clean, and among the best-tasting spring waters they’ve tried. The naturally alkaline pH gives it a smooth, non-acidic finish without the processed feel of some ionized waters. It’s a straightforward, no-frills spring water that delivers consistent quality sip after sip.
The main consideration is that the plastic bottles, while BPA-free, are single-use and not made from recycled materials. The pack size (24 bottles) means more plastic waste per purchase compared to larger bottle formats. If you prefer the taste of natural spring water over purified or distilled water and drink in volume, Eternal offers excellent value for the quality.
Why it’s great
- Naturally alkaline from a spring source; no additives
- Excellent clean taste consistently praised by customers
- 24-pack provides good bulk value for daily drinking
Good to know
- Single-use plastic bottles with no recycled content
- Smaller 20-ounce bottles generate more plastic waste per ounce
7. Hawaiian Springs Natural Artesian Water
Hawaiian Springs is sourced from a deep earth aquifer within ancient volcanic rock on the Big Island of Hawaii. Rain filters through 13,000 feet of porous volcanic rock, which acts as a natural sieve, distilling the water while enriching it with calcium, magnesium, potassium, and silica. The result is a 100% natural artesian water with a pH around 7.7 and a notably fresh, clean taste that many describe as the best they’ve ever had.
The 1.5-liter bottles are BPA-free and 100% recyclable, and the source has a certified sustainable use rating of 744 million gallons per day, ensuring long-term availability. Customers who have tried premium brands side by side often rank Hawaiian Springs above FIJI, Icelandic, and Waiākea for its superior crispness and purity. For many, it evokes the memory of fresh Hawaiian rain.
The primary barrier is the cost. At the top of the price range, Hawaiian Springs is considered a splurge even among premium bottled waters. Some customers note that while the taste is excellent, the price makes it difficult to justify as a daily staple. If you want the most pristine artesian source with minimum processing and maximum natural mineral content, this is the pinnacle.
Why it’s great
- Volcanic rock filtration adds natural electrolytes and silica
- Often ranked as the best-tasting premium water by customers
- Sustainable source with enormous daily capacity
Good to know
- Highest cost per bottle in this comparison
- Plastic bottles despite premium positioning
FAQ
Is alkaline water better for you than regular bottled water?
Does the type of bottle affect water quality?
How do I know if my bottled water actually comes from a natural spring?
Is bottled water safer than tap water?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the bottled water to drink for health winner is the FIJI Natural Artesian Water because its naturally occurring electrolytes from volcanic filtration deliver a consistently clean, smooth taste that is backed by decades of customer loyalty. If you want the highest purity standard with eco-friendly packaging, grab the ZenWTR. And for a premium artesian experience from a protected Hawaiian source, nothing beats the Hawaiian Springs.