PFAS in Mineral Water: Safe Bottled Mineral Water Options

I used to grab mineral water at the store without thinking twice. Spring-sourced, natural, from some mountain somewhere in Europe, it felt like the cleanest thing I could drink. Then I started reading the testing data. PFAS have been detected in several well-known bottled water brands, including some that use words like “pure” and “natural” right on the label. If you buy mineral water for your family, this is worth a few minutes of your time.

For more on PFAS-free living, see our guide to PFAS blood testing and PFAS free raincoats.

How PFAS gets into bottled mineral water

A review published in eBioMedicine linked PFAS exposure to thyroid disruption, immune system changes, and developmental issues in children. That matters here because bottled mineral water isn’t automatically safer than what comes out of your tap.

PFAS can get into a bottle of mineral water in a few different ways. The spring or aquifer itself might be contaminated from nearby industrial runoff. The bottling process can introduce traces. And the bottle, cap lining, or label adhesive may contain PFAS-based coatings. Unlike municipal water systems, bottled water companies aren’t required to test for or report PFAS levels in most states. So unless a brand publishes independent lab results, you’re taking their word for it.

How to pick mineral water with less PFAS

Labels rarely mention PFAS, so it takes a little digging. A few things that help:

Third-party test results are the gold standard. Some brands publish independent lab reports showing PFAS levels. What you want to see is “non-detect” or levels below 1 part per trillion.

Glass bottles are generally safer than plastic. Glass doesn’t leach chemicals, and it removes one whole source of contamination. Brands like Mountain Valley Spring Water and Gerolsteiner sell in glass.

Source transparency matters. Brands that tell you exactly where their water comes from and how they treat it are more likely to be testing for contaminants regularly.

The PFAS Free Life Database has tested and verified water options if you want to skip the research and go straight to the safe list.

Filtering your own water might be the better bet

If you’re spending money on bottled mineral water every week, a home filtration system can save you money and give you more control over what’s in your glass. A good reverse osmosis system removes 90%+ of PFAS, and the per-glass cost is a fraction of bottled.

I’ve been pointing people to the APEC Water Systems ROES-50 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis system. It runs your water through five stages, including sediment, carbon block, and an RO membrane, and installs under your kitchen sink. Clean water on tap, no more recycling bins full of plastic bottles.

If you miss the mineral taste, try adding trace mineral drops to your filtered water. Same flavor, none of the PFAS worry.

Other ways to cut PFAS from your drinking routine

Beyond picking the right water source, a few small changes go a long way:

Test your tap water. At-home kits from SimpleLab can tell you exactly what contaminants you’re dealing with, which makes choosing the right filter much easier.

Even if your tap tests low for PFAS, a filter adds a layer of insurance. Water quality changes, and a filter catches whatever comes through.

Ditch single-use plastic water bottles when you can. Carry filtered water in stainless steel or glass, it tastes better and you’re not adding to the plastic problem.

If your house was built before 2000, older pipe fittings and sealants can introduce contaminants. A whole-house filter handles that plus everything else.

For more ideas, check out our guide to top PFAS free water filters and the PFAS Free Life Database.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does bottled mineral water contain PFAS?

Some does. Independent testing has found PFAS in several popular brands, and the levels vary depending on the water source, bottling process, and packaging. Brands that publish third-party lab results showing “non-detect” for PFAS are your safest bet. Glass bottles tend to carry lower contamination risk than plastic.

Which bottled water brands are PFAS-free?

Brands sourcing from deep aquifers and selling in glass tend to test lowest for PFAS. Look for ones that publish independent lab results. The PFAS Free Life Database at database.pfasfreelife.com has a list of tested options. Also worth knowing: “purified” water that has been through reverse osmosis is generally cleaner than spring or mineral water when it comes to PFAS specifically.

Can I test my drinking water for PFAS at home?

Yes. SimpleLab and similar companies sell at-home kits. You fill a sample container, mail it to a certified lab, and get results back in a few weeks showing exactly which PFAS compounds were found and at what concentrations. Some state health departments also offer free or reduced-cost testing, especially if you live near a known contamination site.

*Research reference: Environmental Health 2021

Environmental Science and Pollution Research 2026*