Issue #194 Are You Drinking Water or Just Wetting Your Thirst?

Is There Such a Thing as “The Best” Bottled Water in the World?

Let’s talk about something we get asked all the time: What’s the best bottled water in the world? And let’s just start with the honest answer—there isn’t one. But don’t leave just yet, because what we can talk about is what makes one water brand better for you, and what makes some bottled waters better for the planet.

At Salacious Drinks, we only carry natural, single-source waters—that means no purified tap dressed up with fancy packaging. We seek out brands that are deeply connected to their source, their story, and the science behind the minerals in every drop. But even within that category, no two waters are the same—and that’s what makes this journey so fascinating.

What Makes One Water Brand Better Than Another?

Let’s strip it down to the essentials. A better water brand isn’t about hype, celebrity endorsements, or even the prettiest bottle (though we admit, we’re fans of good design). It comes down to five things:

1. Source Integrity – Is the water coming from a protected, sustainable source like an artesian aquifer, a glacial spring, or a mountain well?

2. Mineral Composition – Every natural water has its own mineral signature—calcium, magnesium, sodium, silica, bicarbonate—and each affects taste and health benefits. For instance, a water rich in magnesium may help with inflammation and muscle recovery.

3. Bottling Method – Is the water bottled at the source to preserve its natural properties? Are the bottles glass or aluminum to avoid leaching or microplastics?

4. Sustainability – Does the brand reinvest in preserving its source? Are they mindful of their carbon footprint and local ecosystems?

5. Taste and Texture – Yes, water has a taste. And a texture. A crisp, low-residue spring water will feel totally different from a naturally carbonated mineral-rich water like Ferrarelle or Vichy Catalan.

Some people love the fine bubbles in Saint-Géron for pairing with dessert. Others crave the silky softness of something like Lurisia from Italy. And then there’s the bold minerality of Borjomi from Georgia—unapologetically strong and meant to be sipped, not chugged.

So is there a “best” water? No. But is there a “best” water for your moment, your meal, your body’s needs? Absolutely.

How Do We Learn More About the Water We Drink?

Here’s the big secret: water is not just water.

If you want to learn more about it, go beyond the brand and into the source. Ask:

• Where does this water come from?

• What minerals are naturally found in it?

• Is it still or sparkling naturally, or was CO₂ added?

• Does it help me stay hydrated, or am I just drinking flavored nothingness?

Organizations like the Fine Waters Society and resources like Dr. Michael Mascha’s Fine Waters book have helped shape the idea of water as a taste experience and a wellness tool—not just a necessity.

And here’s something exciting—we’re working on a Water Sommelier Starter Kit that you’ll be able to buy directly on SalaciousDrinks.com, so you can begin tasting water like wine and learning why some waters deserve your attention.

Does the Earth Have an Infinite Supply of Drinking Water?

Short answer: No. Not even close.

Yes, water covers 70% of the planet, but less than 1% is available as fresh, drinkable water. And while the water cycle is a beautiful thing—rain falls, water flows, aquifers refill—our consumption patterns don’t always respect that rhythm. Over-extraction, pollution, deforestation, and climate change all impact how quickly and safely water can regenerate.

Some natural springs that flowed freely 100 years ago are now dry. Aquifers are being tapped faster than they can recharge. And let’s not even talk about microplastics making their way into even the cleanest sources.

So What Can We Do?

If you’re a bottled water drinker (and if you’re here, I know you are), then you already care. But here’s how to level up:

• Choose waters from responsible sources – We vet our brands, and you can too. Look for transparency.

• Buy glass or aluminum when you can – Not only does it preserve taste better, it’s far more recyclable and doesn’t leach.

• Support education over convenience – Encourage your friends and family to learn about where their water comes from. Maybe even get them a curated case as a gift.

• Drink with intention – Savor water. Pair it with meals. Notice how it makes you feel. Your body will tell you when it’s right.

Water isn’t just about hydration—it’s about culture, geology, biology, and care. It’s the most essential thing we put into our bodies, and the more we know, the better choices we make.

So next time someone asks you, “Isn’t all water the same?”—tell them no. Tell them it’s as diverse as wine, as storied as whiskey, and as powerful as the earth itself.

And then, send them our way.
We’ve got a world of water waiting for them.

Stay hydrated,
Ashley (The Waterlady)