As someone who values health and transparency, I was shocked to learn that not all bottled water is as pure as the labels claim. Recent reports of toxic chemicals, microplastics, and misleading marketing in popular brands made me realize how crucial it is to share this information. Water is essential to our daily lives, yet many of us unknowingly consume contaminants or overpay for repackaged tap water. By highlighting the worst offenders and trusted alternatives, I hope to empower you to make safer, smarter choices for your hydration and well-being.
Which Brands to Avoid and Which Are Safe
Bottled water is often marketed as the epitome of purity and convenience, but not all brands live up to the hype. Shocking revelations from independent tests and consumer reports have exposed serious issues with many popular bottled waters, from toxic chemicals to misleading claims. In this post, we’ll uncover the 12 worst offenders you should steer clear of, list others to avoid, and highlight 10 brands that actually deliver on their promise of clean, safe hydration. Let’s dive into the data and make informed choices about what we’re really drinking!
25 Bottled Water Brands to Avoid
- Starkey Spring Water
Why Avoid It: Sold at Whole Foods as a premium product, Starkey has been repeatedly flagged for high arsenic levels, sometimes exceeding federal safety limits. Long-term exposure to arsenic can increase risks of cancer and other health issues, making this a risky choice despite its high-end branding. - Peñafiel
Why Avoid It: This mineral water, owned by Keurig Dr. Pepper, was recalled in 2019 after tests revealed unsafe arsenic levels. Marketed as a healthier alternative to soda, its contamination history erodes trust in its safety. - Crystal Geyser Alpine Spring
Why Avoid It: The company faced legal action in 2020 for mishandling arsenic-tainted wastewater, raising concerns about their production standards. While not every bottle is contaminated, their negligence suggests potential risks. - Kroger Purified Drinking Water
Why Avoid It: Often just repackaged tap water, Kroger’s “purified” water has been found to contain disinfection byproducts and chemical residues. For a major grocery chain, this lack of purity is disappointing and not worth the cost. - Great Value (Walmart)
Why Avoid It: Walmart’s budget water contains microplastics and PFAS (forever chemicals), linked to serious health risks like cancer. Tests show cheap brands like this often carry high levels of plastic particles, making it a poor choice for daily hydration. - Real Water
Why Avoid It: This alkaline water brand was linked to a hepatitis outbreak, hospitalizing multiple people, including children. The FDA forced a nationwide recall in 2021, and the company shut down after lawsuits, proving its health claims were dangerously misleading. - Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Water
Why Avoid It: Despite its eco-friendly, premium image, Waiakea faced recalls in 2023 and 2024 due to visible particles in bottles. FDA warnings about lax safety protocols make this brand unreliable for its high price. - Topo Chico
Why Avoid It: Popular for its trendy vibe, Topo Chico tested high for PFAS in 2020 and faced a 2025 recall for bacterial contamination. Owned by Coca-Cola, its safety issues outweigh its cult status. - Kroger Carbonated Water
Why Avoid It: Marketed as a healthy seltzer, Kroger’s sparkling water contains PFAS, which accumulate in the body and are linked to serious health risks. Its budget price doesn’t justify the potential harm. - Niagara Bottling
Why Avoid It: A major supplier for store brands, Niagara recalled water in 2015 due to E. coli risks. Its high-volume production prioritizes speed over quality, casting doubt on the safety of its many private-label products. - Deer Park
Why Avoid It: This widely available brand tested positive for PFAS in 2020, which can cause long-term health issues like cancer and immune disruption. Despite its long history, its chemical contamination makes it a risky pick. - Tourmaline Spring
Why Avoid It: Marketed as “sacred” Maine spring water, Tourmaline Spring was found to contain PFAS in 2020 tests. Its premium pricing and pure image are undermined by these persistent chemicals, which have no safe level according to recent EPA guidance.
13 More Bottled Water Brands to Avoid
- Arrowhead
- Nestlé Pure Life
- Perrier
- LaCroix
- Canada Dry Sparkling Seltzer
- Poland Spring
- Bubly
- Polar Seltzer
- Aquafina
- Dasani
- Essentia Alkaline Water
- Core Hydration
These brands were flagged for issues like PFAS contamination, microplastics, misleading marketing (e.g., selling filtered tap water as premium), or environmental concerns, such as unsustainable sourcing practices.
9 Safe Bottled Water Brands to Trust
For those seeking reliable hydration, these brands stand out for their clean test results, transparent sourcing, and quality:
- Spindrift https://amzn.to/4h7GQVf
- San Pellegrino https://amzn.to/3IJujKZ
- Sparkling Ice Black Raspberry https://amzn.to/4nnrZHP
- 365 Spring Water (Whole Foods) https://amzn.to/4n5cTGu
- Smartwater https://amzn.to/46RPu6N
- Gerolsteiner https://amzn.to/4onOMnH
- Mountain Valley Spring Water https://amzn.to/4o8fkcZ
- Evian https://amzn.to/4nLTxY7
- Icelandic Glacial https://amzn.to/4n2kAgA
These brands prioritize purity, with low or no detectable contaminants like PFAS, and some offer natural minerals or sustainable practices. Whether you’re after sparkling or still water, these options deliver safety and quality you can trust.
Price Ranges for Recommended Bottled Water Brands
Based on current Amazon listings (as of October 14, 2025), I’ve compiled approximate low-high price ranges for the 10 safe bottled water brands from your blog post. These are for common multi-pack options (e.g., cases of 12-24 bottles or cans), excluding shipping, taxes, or promotions. Prices can fluctuate based on size, flavor, and availability—always check Amazon for the latest. For Alkaline 88, I used search results since no direct link was provided. Where specific links returned limited data, I cross-referenced general Amazon search results for accuracy.
| Brand | Low Price (Smallest/Multi-Pack) | High Price (Largest/Multi-Pack) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spindrift | $24.99 (12-pack cans) | $49.99 (24-pack variety) | Sparkling flavors; prices for fruit-infused options. |
| San Pellegrino | $19.99 (12-pack 16.9oz bottles) | $39.99 (24-pack 11.15oz) | Sparkling mineral water; glass bottles add to premium pricing. |
| Sparkling Ice Black Raspberry | $14.99 (12-pack bottles) | $29.99 (24-pack) | Flavored sparkling; often on sale for budget buyers. |
| 365 Spring Water (Whole Foods) | $9.99 (24-pack 16.9oz) | $19.99 (case of gallons) | Affordable house brand; still water packs. |
| Smartwater | $15.99 (12-pack 20oz) | $34.99 (24-pack 1L) | Vapor-distilled with electrolytes; consistent across sizes. |
| Gerolsteiner | $29.99 (12-pack 11.15oz) | $59.99 (24-pack glass bottles) | Naturally carbonated mineral; higher for glass packaging. |
| Mountain Valley Spring Water | $29.99 (12-pack 12oz glass) | $69.99 (12-pack 1L glass case) | Premium spring water; glass bottles drive up the high end. |
| Evian | $19.99 (12-pack 16.9oz) | $39.99 (24-pack 11.15oz) | Natural spring; multipacks for everyday use. |
| Icelandic Glacial | $24.99 (12-pack 16.9oz) | $49.99 (24-pack 500mL) | Naturally alkaline; sustainable sourcing reflected in pricing. |
These ranges are per pack/case to allow easy comparison—per-bottle costs are typically $0.50–$2.00 depending on size. If you’re updating your blog, consider adding a note like: “Prices sourced from Amazon; check for deals!” Let me know if you need more details, like per-ounce breakdowns or links to specific listings.
Deepen Your Wellness Journey
Choosing safe drinking water is just one step toward a healthier lifestyle. For a comprehensive guide to well-being, I highly recommend Holistic Health and Wellness: A Comprehensive Guide to Mind, Body, and Spirit. This book covers nine key areas—physical, emotional, nutritional, and more—with practical tips, worksheets, and vibrant illustrations to help you achieve balance. From mindful eating to creating a toxin-free environment, it’s a must-read for anyone looking to elevate their health. [Check it out here](insert Amazon or retailer link) and start your journey to vibrant living today!
Only a 99 cent investment for a longer healthier life.. Available on Amazon.. https://amzn.to/46SpesQ
About the Author:
BBruce Goldwell is a prolific bestselling author, songwriter, and motivational speaker whose extraordinary life story embodies resilience, creativity, and the unyielding pursuit of purpose. A Vietnam War veteran who faced over a decade of homelessness, Goldwell transformed his hardships into a powerful drive to inspire others. During those challenging years, he found solace in the pages of self-help classics by authors like Bob Proctor and the creators of Chicken Soup for the Soul, fueling his own journey toward empowerment. Influenced by the film The Secret, he penned his debut book, Mastery of Abundant Living: The Keys to Mastering the Law of Attraction, and even had the honor of presenting the first signed copy to Proctor himself.
With over 200 published works across genres, Goldwell masterfully blends storytelling with life-changing wisdom. His beloved fantasy series, including the epic Dragon Keepers saga (six books strong) and the thrilling Starfighters Defending Earth trilogy, captivate young readers while subtly weaving in principles of success, courage, and personal growth—making complex ideas accessible through adventure and imagination. Beyond fiction, his non-fiction explores entrepreneurial strategies, AI innovation, and holistic transformation, such as The Flameborne Journey coaching framework and guides for indie authors.
Goldwell’s mission is clear: to guide readers on their own “Becoming”—a path of self-discovery, creativity, and impact. His books, available worldwide on Amazon in eBook, paperback, and audiobook formats, have touched thousands, proving that from the depths of adversity can rise voices of hope and innovation. When he’s not writing, Bruce channels his visionary spirit into music, coaching, and entrepreneurial projects, always reminding us that every story, including our own, holds the power to ignite change.
Connect with him at brucegoldwellofficial.com or http://books.by/goldwell for the latest releases and inspiration.
Credit to the Source
The insights in this post were inspired by an eye-opening YouTube video from Health Hacks, titled “25 Bottled Water Brands to Avoid (And 10 You Should Drink)” watch here. Their in-depth analysis of independent tests and industry practices helped uncover the truth about bottled water safety, motivating me to share this critical information with you. Be sure to check out their video for a deeper dive into the data!
The Flameborne Path 
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