Water isn’t just water.
From pH levels to mineral content, the type of water we drink may influence everything from taste to how our bodies respond to it.
If you’ve ever wondered which bottled water is best in the UK, or whether glacial water really is different, here’s a practical guide.
Understanding pH: does it really matter?
Most natural mineral and spring waters in the UK sit close to neutral (pH 7), with some slightly alkaline and others slightly acidic.
Here’s how several popular brands compare:
| Brand | Source | Type | Typical pH |
| Hildon | Test Valley, Hampshire | Natural mineral water | 7.3 (neutral) |
| Harrogate Spring | Harrogate, North Yorkshire | Spring water | 7.4–7.8 (slightly alkaline) |
| Tŷ Nant | Bethania, Ceredigion | Natural mineral water | 6.8 (slightly acidic) |
| Kingsdown | South Downs, Kent | Spring water | 7.5 (slightly alkaline) |
| Cairngorm | Scottish Highlands | Natural mineral water | 6.5–7.0 (soft, neutral) |
| Isle of Wight Spring | Knighton, Isle of Wight | Natural mineral water | 7.2 (neutral) |
For most people, slight differences in pH are unlikely to dramatically alter health outcomes. However, many find slightly alkaline waters smoother in taste.
What is deuterium and why are people talking about it?
Deuterium is a naturally occurring heavy isotope of hydrogen found in all water. It’s measured in parts per million (ppm).
Average global water contains around 145–155 ppm.
Interest in lower-deuterium water stems from research exploring its potential impact on cellular function and mitochondrial health. While this is still an emerging field, some people deliberately choose glacial or polar sources, which tend to contain lower levels.
Which bottled water has the lowest deuterium?
Here’s how some well-known waters compare:
| Water source | Estimated deuterium (ppm) | Notes |
| Svalbarði (Norway) | ~125–130 | Melted polar ice; ultra-low, bit of a collector’s item |
| Icelandic Glacial (Iceland) | ~130–135 | Glacial spring water; soft, low in minerals |
| Isklar (Norway) | ~135–140 | From Folgefonna glacier; naturally filtered |
| Highland Spring (Scotland) | ~145 | Accessible highland spring; good everyday choice |
| Evian (France) | ~146–150 | Spring-fed from the Alps; classic mineral profile |
| Fiji Water (Fiji Islands) | ~149 | Deep aquifer in tropical region; higher deuterium |
| UK tap water (average) | ~145–155 | Varies by region; surface and reservoir sources |
| Coconut water | ~155–160 | Tropical plant water; one of the highest natural sources |
Liz’s take
My choices? I tend to buy Highland Spring in glass bottles, occasionally treating myself to an Icelandic Glacial delivery box – this is also a natural mineral water and it tastes superb.
My body does seem to crave it now and seems to be enjoying it too. It’s not the cheapest, but it costs far less than a bottle of wine, so if you’re someone who enjoys drinking bottled water, I’d suggest being a little more glacial and a little less tropical in your choices.
