Water is a big part of staying healthy. It keeps your body cool, helps your organs work, and gives your skin a natural glow. But with so many water options—tap, filtered, spring, distilled, alkaline—it can be hard to know which one is best. So, what is the healthiest water to drink?
This guide will help you understand the different types of water, what makes water “healthy,” and which water might be the best for your body, budget, and lifestyle.
Why Drinking Water Matters
Before we dive into the healthiest types of water, let’s remember why water is so important:
- It carries nutrients through your body – Water helps move important vitamins, minerals, and oxygen to your cells so they can do their jobs properly. When you’re well-hydrated, your whole body works more efficiently.
- It removes waste through urine and sweat – Your kidneys use water to flush out waste through urine. You also release toxins and cool your body down through sweat. Without enough water, these natural cleaning systems slow down.
- It helps your joints move smoothly – Joints are cushioned by cartilage, which is made mostly of water. Staying hydrated keeps this cartilage healthy, helping your joints move without pain or stiffness.
- It keeps your body temperature normal – Whether you’re working out or just spending time in the sun, your body uses sweat to stay cool. But to sweat, you need water. Without it, you can overheat or feel dizzy.
- It improves digestion and energy levels – Water breaks down food so your body can absorb nutrients. It also keeps your digestive system moving, helping prevent constipation. Plus, being hydrated helps you feel more alert and less tired.
Most people need about 8 cups of water per day, but that amount can change depending on your size, age, activity level, and climate. If you’re active, live somewhere hot, or aren’t feeling well, you may need even more.
Drinking enough water every day is one of the easiest ways to support your overall health.
What Makes Water Healthy?
Not all water is the same. The healthiest water should meet these four important conditions:
1. Clean & Free from Harmful Contaminants
The healthiest water is clean, meaning it is free from harmful substances like bacteria, lead, pesticides, and other pollutants that can pose health risks. Contaminants can come from various sources, including old pipes, agricultural runoff, and even industrial pollution. Purified water, such as that from reverse osmosis or distillation, is processed to remove these harmful elements, making it safe for drinking.
2. Contains Helpful Minerals
Minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium are naturally found in water and play an important role in maintaining your health. Calcium supports strong bones, magnesium helps regulate muscle and nerve function, and potassium is key to maintaining a healthy heart and kidneys. Water that retains these minerals is typically healthier, as they contribute to your overall well-being. However, some purification methods, like reverse osmosis, may remove these minerals, so it’s essential to ensure your water has them if they’re lacking.
3. Good Taste to Encourage Regular Drinking
Water with a clean, refreshing taste is essential for encouraging regular hydration. Water with an unpleasant taste, like a strong chlorine or sulfur odor, might make people avoid drinking enough, leading to dehydration. Healthy water should be palatable and enjoyable so you’re more likely to consume the recommended amount.
4. Safe for Everyday Use
Healthy water is safe to drink every day. It should not contain harmful chemicals or substances that could cause long-term health issues when consumed over time. Ideally, it should come from a reliable and safe source, ensuring it’s free from any toxic elements.
Now let’s look at the most common types of water and whether they check those boxes.
1. Tap Water
Tap water is the water that comes from your kitchen sink or bathroom faucet. In most cities, it’s treated and tested regularly to ensure it’s safe to drink. However, the quality of tap water can vary based on location, water source, and the infrastructure in place.
Pros:
- Cheap and Easy to Access
Tap water is inexpensive and readily available in most homes, making it convenient for everyday use. - Contains Natural Minerals
Many tap waters contain natural minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are beneficial for your health. These minerals contribute to bone strength, heart health, and overall bodily function. - Often Tested Regularly for Safety
In many cities and towns, tap water is regularly tested for safety, and utilities are required to meet national safety standards. This helps ensure that the water is safe to drink for most people.
Cons:
- May Have Chlorine, Fluoride, or Other Additives
To disinfect and treat tap water, utilities often add chemicals like chlorine or fluoride. While fluoride helps prevent tooth decay, some people prefer to avoid it, and chlorine can leave a strong taste or smell. - Can Pick Up Lead or Rust from Old Pipes
In older homes or buildings, tap water can sometimes pick up contaminants like lead or rust from old plumbing. This can be a significant health concern, especially for young children or pregnant women. - May Taste or Smell Strange in Some Areas
In some areas, tap water may have an unpleasant taste or smell due to the presence of chlorine, sulfur, or other compounds. This can discourage people from drinking enough water.
Is It Healthy?
Tap water can be healthy if it’s tested and meets safety standards. However, it’s a good idea to check your city’s water quality report regularly or use a water filter to remove any potential contaminants. If you live in an area with known water quality issues, consider installing a filtration system to improve taste and safety.
2. Filtered Water
Filtered water is tap water that goes through a filter to remove certain contaminants.
Common filters include:
- Carbon filters (like Brita pitchers)
- Faucet attachments
- Under-sink systems
Pros:
- Removes chlorine, heavy metals, and bad taste
- Keeps helpful minerals (depending on filter)
- Affordable and eco-friendly
Cons:
- Filters must be changed often
- Not all filters remove every harmful contaminant
Is it healthy?
Yes! Filtered water is one of the healthiest options if you have safe tap water to start with.
3. Spring Water
Spring water is sourced from natural underground springs, where water flows to the surface naturally. It is usually bottled at the source to preserve its purity.
Pros:
- Comes with Natural Minerals: Spring water is often rich in beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which can be good for your health.
- Clean and Often Tastes Great: Because it comes from natural sources, spring water often tastes fresh and clean.
- Usually Not Treated with Chemicals: Unlike tap water, spring water is usually not treated with chemicals like chlorine or fluoride.
Cons:
- More Expensive Than Tap or Filtered Water: Bottled spring water tends to cost more than regular tap water or water filtered at home.
- Some Brands May Not Be Truly Natural: Not all bottled spring water is as natural as advertised. Some brands may mix spring water with other types of water.
- Can Have Bacteria if Not Tested Properly: If the water isn’t properly tested and purified, it may contain harmful bacteria.
Is It Healthy?
Yes, as long as the brand is honest about its sourcing and the water is properly tested, spring water is a healthy and natural option. It provides natural minerals and tends to be free from chemicals, making it a great choice for many people.
4. Purified Water
Purified water is water that has undergone filtration or treatment to remove almost all impurities. These impurities include bacteria, chemicals, and heavy metals. Purification methods may include reverse osmosis, distillation, deionization, or UV treatment.
Pros:
- Very Clean and Safe: Purified water is free from contaminants, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals.
- Great for People with Weak Immune Systems: People who have compromised immune systems, such as the elderly or those with chronic illnesses, benefit from the clean, germ-free nature of purified water.
- Often Used for Baby Formula or Medical Use: Due to its purity, it is commonly recommended for mixing baby formula or for use in medical applications.
Cons:
- May Remove Healthy Minerals: Some purification methods, like reverse osmosis and distillation, remove minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are beneficial to health.
- Can Taste Flat: The absence of minerals can lead to a flat, bland taste.
- Expensive: Bottled purified water can be costly, and home purification systems may require a significant initial investment.
Is It Healthy?
Many people ask, Is purified water good for you? Yes, it is! Purified water is very clean and safe, especially if your tap water isn’t safe. However, since some purification methods remove essential minerals, it’s a good idea to get those minerals from your diet or choose mineral-enhanced purified water.
5. Distilled Water
Distilled water is created by boiling water to turn it into steam, then cooling it back into liquid form. This process removes almost all contaminants, including bacteria, chemicals, and minerals.
Pros:
- Extremely Pure: Removes nearly all contaminants, making it very clean.
- Ideal for Appliances and Medical Use: Often used in machines like steam irons or for certain medical purposes, where purity is essential.
- Removes Contaminants: Great for eliminating harmful substances like chlorine, fluoride, or heavy metals.
Cons:
- No Minerals: Distillation removes beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are important for health.
- Tastes Flat or Bland: Without minerals, the taste is often perceived as flat or bland.
- Not Ideal for Daily Drinking: Since it lacks minerals, it’s not the best choice for long-term hydration.
Is It Healthy?
While distilled water is safe to drink, it’s not the healthiest choice for everyday hydration due to the absence of minerals that your body needs. It’s best reserved for specific uses rather than regular consumption.
6. Alkaline Water
Alkaline water has a higher pH level than regular water, typically around 8 or 9, which is thought to help neutralize acid in the body. It also contains added minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can benefit bone health and muscle function.
Pros:
- Potential Acid-Reduction: Some believe alkaline water helps balance the body’s acidity.
- Smooth and Crisp Taste: The higher pH often gives it a smoother, crisper taste.
- Added Minerals: Provides beneficial minerals that can support your health.
Cons:
- Expensive: Alkaline water is generally pricier than regular bottled water.
- Unproven Health Claims: Many of the health benefits associated with alkaline water aren’t backed by strong scientific evidence.
- Not Necessary for Most: For most healthy individuals, regular water meets all hydration needs.
Is It Healthy?
Alkaline water is safe for most people. If you enjoy the taste and it fits your budget, it can be a healthy choice.
7. Mineral Water
Mineral water comes from natural springs and is known for its high mineral content, which typically includes minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. These minerals are essential for maintaining various bodily functions, such as supporting bone health, regulating blood pressure, and boosting the immune system.
Pros:
- Tastes Great
Mineral water is often praised for its refreshing and crisp taste, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy naturally flavored water. - Good Source of Minerals
It provides important minerals that contribute to your overall health. For example, calcium helps with bone strength, and magnesium is essential for muscle function. - No Added Chemicals
Unlike tap water, mineral water doesn’t contain added chemicals like chlorine or fluoride, making it a pure and natural choice.
Cons:
- Costly
Mineral water can be more expensive than tap or other bottled water types due to its natural sourcing and mineral content. - Not Ideal for Low-Sodium Diets
Some mineral waters contain sodium, which can be a concern for people on low-sodium diets, so it’s important to read the label before purchasing.
Is It Healthy?
Yes! Mineral water is a healthy option for most people, thanks to its mineral content. Just be mindful of sodium levels if you’re watching your salt intake.
So, What Is the Healthiest Water to Drink?
Here’s the bottom line: the healthiest water to drink is clean, safe, and contains natural minerals. Based on that, the top choices for most people are:
- Filtered tap water (affordable and removes common contaminants)
- Natural spring water (tastes great and has helpful minerals)
- Mineral water (rich in nutrients, perfect for hydration)
If your tap water is unsafe or has a bad taste, purified water is a smart option—especially for babies, seniors, or people with weak immune systems.
Extra Tips for Safe Water Drinking
- Always check your city’s water quality report
- Use BPA-free bottles and containers
- Change filters regularly on pitchers or faucets
- Don’t drink from unknown streams or outdoor sources
Final Thoughts
You don’t need fancy or expensive water to stay healthy—you just need clean water that works for your body. Whether you choose filtered, spring, or mineral water, the most important thing is to stay hydrated.
Just like taking care of your appearance helps you feel your best, choosing the healthiest water for your needs supports your body from the inside out.
Drink smart. Stay healthy. Your body will thank you.
