How to Read Water Labels: Understanding TDS, pH, and Mineral Content

Decoding Your Water Bottle: What Those Numbers Really Mean

Ever picked up a premium water bottle and wondered what all those numbers and scientific terms actually mean? TDS, pH levels, mineral content — these aren’t marketing buzzwords. They’re indicators of quality, purity, and taste that help you understand exactly what you’re drinking.

This guide breaks down how to read water labels like an expert, so you can make informed choices every time you choose premium spring water.

What Is TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)?

TDS measures the total concentration of dissolved substances in water, expressed in milligrams per litre (mg/L). These include natural minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, and trace elements.

TDS Ranges and What They Mean

• 0–50 mg/L: Very low mineral content (ultra-light spring water or purified water)

• 50–150 mg/L: Low mineral content (light spring water)

• 150–300 mg/L: Medium mineral content (balanced spring water)

• 300–600 mg/L: High mineral content (mineral-rich)

• 600+ mg/L: Very high mineral content (mineral water)

What’s ideal?It depends entirely on your taste. Ultra-light waters (like Little Hampton at 50 mg/L) offer delicate purity with a smooth, soft mouthfeel ideal for all-day drinking. Medium TDS waters have stronger mineral character. Very low TDS can taste flat; very high TDS can feel heavy.

Understanding pH Levels in Water

The pH scale ranges from 0 (acidic) to 14 (alkaline), with 7 being neutral.

pH Ranges in Drinking Water

• 6.5–7.0: Slightly acidic

• 7.0: Neutral

• 7.0–8.5: Slightly alkaline (where many premium spring waters sit)

A gently alkaline pH — like Little Hampton’s 7.8 — is ideal. It’s naturally created through geological filtration, not enhanced artificially. This balance contributes to a crisp, refreshing taste without bitterness.

A Real-World Example: Little Hampton Spring Water

Drawn from Victoria’s acclaimed Hepburn Region, Little Hampton’s natural profile speaks for itself:

• pH: 7.8 (naturally alkaline)

• TDS: 50 mg/L (ultra-light, clean, delicate)

• Sodium: Low

• Sulphates & Chlorides: None detected

What does this mean for taste?A gentle alkaline pH and ultra-light mineral profile give Little Hampton its smooth, soft mouthfeel — pure, crisp, and effortlessly drinkable all day. With no sulphates, chlorides, or bitterness, it's exactly what naturally filtered spring water should be.

Where many imported waters are heavy or acidic, Little Hampton delivers purity, elegance, and a beautifully balanced profile created by decades of natural filtration through ancient Hepburn Region rock formations.

Key Minerals to Look For

Understanding minerals helps you interpret a label with confidence.

Calcium (Ca)

Important for bone health; gives water a smooth, slightly sweet taste.Typical range: 20–100 mg/L

Magnesium (Mg)

Supports muscle and nerve function; adds a subtle mineral note.Typical range: 5–50 mg/L

Sodium (Na)

Naturally occurring; low sodium (under 20 mg/L) creates a clean taste without saltiness.

Potassium (K)

Helps hydration and electrolyte balance.Occurs in small amounts: 1–10 mg/L

Silica (SiO₂)

Trace mineral linked to skin and connective tissue health.Indicates filtration through volcanic or sedimentary rock.

Bicarbonate (HCO₃)

Contributes to natural alkalinity and smoothness.

Sulphates & Chlorides

High levels can taste bitter or chemical. Premium waters are naturally low or free from both.

What “Naturally Filtered” Really Means

Natural spring water becomes premium through time — sometimes decades — as it slowly filters through layers of rock, sand, and gravel. This process:

• Removes impurities

• Adds beneficial minerals

• Creates natural pH balance

• Enhances taste without any artificial intervention

This is very different from purified or filtered tap water, which removes everything (including good minerals) and often adds minerals back artificially.

Why Source Matters

Premium water labels should tell you:

• Source location — e.g., Hepburn Region, Victoria

• Source type — spring, artesian, or mineral

• Bottled at source — less handling, more purity

• Protected source — environmentally safeguarded

Australian spring water from protected regions with strict regulation (like Hepburn) delivers exceptional purity and consistency.

Reading Between the Lines: Marketing vs. Facts

Be cautious of labels that say:

• “Alkaline water” without listing pH

• “Mineral-rich” without actual mineral content

• “Pure” without naming the source

• “Enhanced/fortified” — often means artificially added minerals

Authentic premium brands provide full transparency on pH, TDS, mineral content, and source.

Pure spring water begins here — naturally filtered through rock and flowing streams.

How to Choose the Right Water for You

For everyday hydration:

Neutral–slightly alkaline pH (7.0–8.0) with ultra-light or low TDS (50–150 mg/L).

For taste preference:

• Low TDS = clean, delicate, easy drinking

• Medium TDS = more pronounced mineral character

For purity:

Check for low sodium, low sulphates/chlorides, and clear geological sourcing.

For sustainability:

Choose locally sourced water bottled at the source to reduce transport footprint.

For transparency:

Look for clear mineral breakdowns, TDS, pH, and source location on the label.

Conclusion: How to Read Water Labels with Confidence

Understanding How to Read Water Labels empowers you to make confident, informed choices about the water you drink every day. When you know what TDS, pH, and mineral content truly represent, you can recognise the difference between ordinary bottled water and naturally balanced spring water sourced from protected regions.

Premium spring water isn’t defined by marketing terms — it’s defined by transparency, geological purity, and a clean mineral profile that speaks for itself. By paying attention to the numbers on the label, you’ll quickly identify which waters offer genuine quality, natural filtration, and refreshing taste without additives.

At Little Hampton Spring Water, every bottle reflects this commitment to clarity and purity. With full disclosure of our TDS, pH, and mineral composition, you always know exactly what you’re drinking — clean, crisp, naturally filtered Australian spring water from the Hepburn Region.

Choose water that tells the truth on the label. Choose purity you can taste.