Mineral Water vs Spring Water: What’s the Difference?

When choosing bottled water, the terms mineral water and spring water are often used side by side — but they aren’t the same. While both originate from natural underground sources, their journey, treatment, and taste profiles differ in important ways. Understanding these differences can help you choose a water that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and palate.

At Little Hampton Spring Water, we believe in transparency and celebrating the natural purity of true spring water. Here’s what sets the two apart.

The beauty of water begins in nature.

What Is Spring Water?

Spring water comes directly from an underground aquifer and naturally rises to the surface. Because it filters through layers of ancient rock and mineral formations, it develops a clean mineral balance and clarity unique to its source location.

Key features of true spring water:

• Naturally filtered by the earth

• Contains a light, balanced mineral profile

• Typically soft and smooth on the palate

• Often naturally alkaline

• Requires minimal intervention

Little Hampton Spring Water emerges at a refined pH of ~7.8, with a gentle mineral content around 50 mg/L — offering a crisp, refreshing taste that’s effortless to drink all day.

What Is Mineral Water?

Mineral water also comes from underground sources, but with one key distinction: it must contain a legally defined amount of minerals. Many mineral waters are high in dissolved solids, which can create a heavier, more distinct taste.

Features of mineral water:

• Contains higher mineral concentration (e.g., calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulfates)

• Often has a stronger or saltier taste

• May be naturally carbonated, or carbonation may be added

• Some brands add minerals during bottling to meet required standards

This stronger flavor profile can pair well with food, but for everyday hydration, it may feel heavier or less refreshing

Taste Matters: Light vs Heavy Drinking Water

The easiest way to understand the difference is through taste:

Feature	Spring Water	Mineral Water
Taste	Light, clean, refreshing	Strong, mineral-forward, sometimes salty
Everyday Drinking	Ideal	Can feel heavy over time
Palate feel	Smooth and soft	Structured and pronounced

Little Hampton’s naturally light composition makes it suitable for daily hydration, wellness routines, and refined dining.

Why Little Hampton Chooses Spring Water

We believe exceptional water should feel effortless.

Our spring water:

• Is naturally alkaline (pH ~7.8)

• Has a delicate mineral profile (TDS ~50 mg/L)

• Comes from the pristine Hepburn Region, Victoria

• Is bottled in glass and aluminium for purity, sustainability, and taste integrity

No additives. No enhancements. Just nature, preserved.

Warm, Refined, Everyday Luxury - Mineral Water vs Spring Water

Understanding Mineral Water vs Spring Water comes down to clarity of taste and origin. Spring water offers a naturally balanced mineral profile and a smooth, refreshing feel that’s easy to enjoy every day. At Little Hampton, our water is drawn from the pristine Hepburn Region and bottled with care, preserving its gentle alkalinity and pure character. It’s hydration that feels effortless, natural, and refined.