Let’s talk about one of the most important and most misunderstood labels in the world of bottled water: “Spring Water.”
You’ve seen it a hundred times. “Fresh Spring Water” or “Natural Spring Source” elegantly printed across plastic bottles in your local grocery aisle. But if you paused and asked yourself, Is this actually from a spring?—you’d be asking the right question.
What Does “Spring Water” Actually Mean?
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), bottled water can be labeled “spring water” if it comes from an underground formation and flows naturally to the surface or is collected through a borehole that taps into the underground source. That sounds clear enough… until you realize how many loopholes exist within that definition.
Here’s the kicker: once the water is collected, it can be processed, purified, demineralized, or ozonated—and still be labeled “spring water.” Even more concerning, some companies source from municipal taps located near springs and then filter or treat the water to meet basic safety standards. Yet they still get to use that nature-sounding term.
In short, “spring water” on a label does not automatically mean the water is pure, untouched, or even particularly special.
That’s why at Salacious Drinks, we’ve made it our mission to only work with natural, single-source waters—meaning they come from one verified spring or aquifer and are bottled with minimal to no treatment. These waters are celebrated not just for their origin, but for the distinct mineral compositions they naturally carry.
Let’s look at four real-deal spring waters that don’t rely on smoke and mirrors:
Virginia Artesian – From Deep Beneath Virginia Soil
This water comes from a naturally pressurized artesian aquifer deep in Virginia. What makes artesian water special is that it doesn’t require mechanical pumping—it rises to the surface under its own pressure, protected from contaminants by natural geological layers. Virginia Artesian is unaltered, crisp, and full of natural minerals that lend it a smooth, balanced taste. It’s also one of the few American spring waters that’s truly consistent in quality and taste.
Proud Source – From the Rockies and the Apalachicola Forest
Proud Source bottles at the spring—never before and never after. Their sources in Idaho and Florida are examples of modern water stewardship: sustainably managed, monitored for quality, and bottled in aluminum packaging that is infinitely recyclable. Proud Source is one of the few spring water brands that’s also climate neutral. If you care about your environmental impact as much as what you put into your body, this one’s for you.
Aqua Carpatica Spring – A Romanian Treasure
Coming from the Carpathian Mountains in Romania, this spring water is among the cleanest in the world. Aqua Carpatica is known for its exceptionally low nitrate levels and naturally high bicarbonate content, making it a digestive-friendly water that supports hydration at a cellular level. It's a perfect example of a natural water source that doesn’t need filtration, because nature already got it right. Pure. Alkaline. Uncompromised.
Mountain Valley Spring – A Legacy from the Heart of Arkansas
This isn’t just water—it’s history in a glass bottle. Discovered in 1871 in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas, Mountain Valley has been a favorite of presidents and celebrities alike. Bottled at the source, this naturally alkaline spring water is rich in calcium and magnesium. Its crisp taste and clean mouthfeel make it a go-to for anyone seeking a classic American spring with real mineral character.
So, Why Does It Matter?
When we drink water, we’re not just quenching thirst—we’re interacting with Earth’s oldest ecosystems. True spring waters offer more than hydration. They tell the story of geology, time, and place. Waters like Aqua Carpatica and Mountain Valley are unmanipulated expressions of their environment, each with a unique mineral fingerprint that can’t be replicated.
So the next time you’re scanning the bottled water aisle, remember: not all spring waters are created equal. Ask where it’s from. Ask how it’s bottled. And most importantly, ask if it’s been altered in any way.
At Salacious Drinks, we do the asking for you. Every bottle we offer is from a verified single-source spring or aquifer. No blending. No purification. Just water in its most honest form.
Stay hydrated, stay curious.
—
The Waterlady
Certified Water Sommelier
www.SalaciousDrinks.com