Whether you’re choosing a water cooler for your office or simply looking for the best drinking water at home, you’ve probably come across two popular options: natural spring water and filtered water.
Both are safe to drink in the UK, but they’re not the same.
Understanding the differences can help you decide which option is right for your home, workplace or business.
What Is Spring Water?
Spring water comes from a natural underground source, where water is naturally filtered through layers of rock before reaching the surface. As it travels underground, it naturally picks up minerals such as calcium and magnesium, giving each spring its own unique mineral composition and taste.
To be sold as natural spring water in the UK, it must meet strict quality standards and be bottled at the source.
Benefits of Spring Water
✔ Naturally filtered by layers of rock.
✔ Contains naturally occurring minerals.
✔ Fresh, crisp taste.
✔ Bottled at the source.
✔ No need for additional filtration before drinking.
What Is Filtered Water?
Filtered water usually starts as ordinary mains tap water. It passes through a filtration system—typically using activated carbon or other filter media—to improve taste and remove chlorine, odours and some impurities.
Many offices choose plumbed-in water coolers with built-in filters, providing a convenient supply of chilled drinking water without replacing bottles.
Benefits of Filtered Water
✔ Unlimited water supply.
✔ No bottle storage required.
✔ Improved taste compared to untreated tap water.
✔ Convenient for larger workplaces.
What’s the Biggest Difference?
The biggest difference is where the water comes from.
Spring water is naturally sourced underground and bottled at the spring.
Filtered water begins as mains tap water and is improved through a filtration system before being dispensed.
Neither is “unsafe”—they simply follow different journeys before reaching your glass.
Taste
Many people notice a difference in taste.
Spring water contains naturally occurring minerals, which can give it a fresher or smoother flavour depending on the source.
Filtered water generally tastes cleaner than untreated tap water because chlorine and some impurities have been removed.
Taste is personal, so there isn’t a right or wrong answer—it’s simply a matter of preference.
Minerals
One of the key differences is the mineral content.
Natural spring water contains minerals picked up as it flows through underground rock formations.
Filtered water removes some substances from mains water but doesn’t naturally gain minerals in the same way spring water does.
These naturally occurring minerals contribute to the distinctive taste of spring water.
Environmental Considerations
Both options can be environmentally responsible when managed properly.
Modern plumbed-in coolers reduce the need for transporting bottled water.
Refillable bottled water systems also help minimise waste by reusing bottles many times before they’re eventually recycled.
At London Water Delivery, every bottle we collect is carefully inspected. Most are professionally cleaned, sanitised and refilled with fresh spring water, ready for another delivery. When a bottle reaches the end of its life, it’s responsibly recycled.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Spring Water may be the better choice if you:
- Prefer naturally sourced water.
- Enjoy the taste of natural minerals.
- Want bottled water for your home or workplace.
- Need a portable solution without plumbing.
Filtered Water may be the better choice if you:
- Have a larger office with high water consumption.
- Want an unlimited water supply.
- Prefer a plumbed-in water cooler.
- Have limited storage space.
We Offer Both
At London Water Delivery, we understand that every customer has different needs.
That’s why we supply both natural spring water coolers and plumbed-in filtered water coolers for homes and businesses across London.
Whether you prefer naturally sourced spring water or the convenience of filtered mains water, our team can help you choose the right solution.
Still Not Sure Which Is Right for You?
Choosing a water cooler doesn’t have to be complicated. Our friendly team is happy to recommend the best option based on your workplace, household size and daily water consumption.
Get in touch today for expert advice and free delivery within the M25 on our bottled spring water solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is spring water healthier than filtered water?
Both spring water and filtered water are safe to drink in the UK. The main differences are their source, mineral content and taste rather than one being universally “healthier.”
Does filtered water contain minerals?
Filtered water may still contain some minerals depending on the filtration system, but it doesn’t naturally acquire minerals from underground rock formations in the same way as spring water.
Which tastes better?
Taste is subjective. Many people enjoy the naturally occurring minerals found in spring water, while others prefer the cleaner taste of filtered water.
Which is better for an office?
It depends on your needs. Bottled spring water is ideal for many homes and workplaces, while plumbed-in filtered water coolers can be a great option for offices with higher water consumption.
