Originally published September 2024. Updated July 2026.
Spring water is groundwater sourced from underground water-bearing rock or sediment and containing naturally dissolved substances from its source.
That is the practical answer, but there is more to it than the familiar image of clear water bubbling out between rocks. How spring water is defined, collected, treated and tested matters just as much as where it comes from.
This guide explains what spring water means in Australia, how it differs from tap and purified or filtered water, what its natural mineral content actually tells us, and what customers should look for when choosing bottled spring water supplier.
In one sentence: Spring water is naturally sourced groundwater with a mineral profile shaped by the underground formation it comes from. It still needs to be responsibly collected, treated, bottled and tested before it reaches the person drinking it.
What is spring water in Australia?
The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code uses a combined definition for mineral water or spring water. It describes it as groundwater obtained from underground water-bearing strata that, in its natural state, contains soluble matter.
In plain English, this means the water:
- comes from an underground water source;
- has naturally come into contact with rock, soil or sediment; and
- contains some naturally dissolved substances from that environment.
For packaged water sold in Australia, the definition focuses on the underground source and the naturally occurring composition of the water. It does not require the water to be collected from a picturesque spring visibly flowing across the surface.
This also means genuine spring water is different from ordinary town water that has been extensively purified and then sold under a general term such as “drinking water” or “purified water”.
How does spring water form?
Spring water begins with water entering the ground through rainfall and other parts of the natural water cycle. It moves through layers of soil, sediment and rock before collecting within an underground water-bearing formation, commonly called an aquifer.
As the water travels underground, it can dissolve small amounts of naturally occurring substances from the surrounding geology. The exact composition depends on the source, the rock formations, how long the water remains underground and local environmental conditions.
This underground journey can influence the water’s:
- taste;
- mineral composition;
- hardness;
- acidity or alkalinity; and
- total dissolved solids.
However, natural filtration through rock should not be confused with guaranteed safety. Groundwater can still be affected by naturally occurring substances, microorganisms or surrounding land use. A responsible spring water supplier should understand the source, use appropriate treatment controls and regularly test the finished water.
Does spring water contain minerals?
Spring water naturally contains dissolved matter, but the amount and type vary considerably between sources.
Depending on the geology, water may contain naturally occurring calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, silica and other substances. One spring may have a more noticeable mineral character, while another may contain relatively low levels and have a lighter taste.
This is an important distinction because “spring water” does not automatically mean “high-mineral water”. It also does not mean every bottle contains nutritionally significant amounts of calcium, magnesium or electrolytes.
The mineral composition can influence flavour and mouthfeel, but customers should look at a supplier’s actual water analysis rather than relying on broad claims such as “mineral rich”.
Does spring water hydrate you better?
For most people, the main advantage is much simpler: they may prefer the taste of spring water and therefore find it easier or more enjoyable to drink water regularly.
Drinking enough water supports normal body function. The type people choose often comes down to taste, source, treatment, convenience and confidence in the supplier.
Spring water vs tap, mineral, purified and distilled water
| Water type | Where it comes from | What makes it different |
|---|---|---|
| Spring water | An underground water-bearing formation | Contains naturally occurring dissolved matter from its source. It may be physically filtered and disinfected before bottling. |
| Mineral water | An underground source | The Australian Food Standards Code groups mineral water and spring water under the same definition. In the market, mineral water is often promoted around a particular mineral profile. |
| Tap water | Dams, rivers, groundwater bores or other public water sources | Managed and treated by a water utility. It is generally disinfected and may contain added chlorine and fluoride, depending on the supply. |
| Purified water | May begin as town water, groundwater or another source | Processed using methods such as reverse osmosis, deionisation or other intensive filtration to remove dissolved substances. |
| Distilled water | Water from almost any initial source | Produced by turning water into vapour and condensing it again, removing most dissolved minerals and many other substances. |
Is spring water safer than tap water?
Not automatically. Properly managed Australian public drinking water is treated, monitored and considered safe when it meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Likewise, the word “natural” does not prove that untreated groundwater is safe to drink. Spring water intended for sale should be sourced, handled, treated and tested under appropriate food-safety controls.
The more useful questions to ask are:
- Can the supplier clearly identify the water’s source?
- How is the source protected and monitored?
- What treatment processes are used?
- Is the water independently tested?
- Can the supplier provide meaningful testing information?
- How are reusable bottles cleaned and sanitised?
What are the real benefits of choosing spring water?
The strongest reasons to choose spring water are practical rather than miraculous.
A naturally occurring taste profile
Because the water comes from an underground source and retains naturally dissolved matter, it can have a distinct taste shaped by its local geology. Many people prefer this to the taste of heavily treated or chlorinated water.
A clearly identified source
A genuine spring water supplier should be able to explain where the water comes from rather than relying on broad words such as “pure”, “premium” or “natural”.
An alternative when tap water taste varies
Australian tap water is generally safe, but its taste can vary between locations, sources, seasons and treatment systems. Spring water provides another option for homes and workplaces where taste affects how willingly people drink the available water.
Convenient access at home or work
Returnable bottles and water coolers make chilled drinking water readily available without purchasing cartons of individual single-use bottles.
How Summer Springs sources and treats its water
Summer Springs supplies genuine spring water sourced from natural underground water sources in regional New South Wales, including the Riverina, Central Coast and Dorrigo Plateau or Northern NSW source areas.
The source supplied to a customer depends on the bottle format and the Summer Springs depot servicing their location. This allows us to keep regional water closer to the regional communities it supplies rather than transporting every bottle from one distant source.
Our treatment process is designed to protect water quality without adding chlorine or fluoride. Depending on the source, the process includes:
- sediment filtration;
- microfiltration;
- ultraviolet disinfection;
- silver-ion treatment for the Riverina source; or
- ozone treatment for our other source locations.
Summer Springs water is independently tested through the National Measurement Institute at laboratories accredited to ISO/IEC 17025. Our sources have also been screened for more than 30 PFAS compounds, with none detected above the laboratory reporting limits at the time of testing.
You can read more about our sources, treatment process and independent results on our spring water quality and testing page.
Our returnable 15L spring water bottles
Summer Springs delivers returnable 15L bottles to homes, offices and workplaces across our regional NSW service area.
Empty bottles are collected, inspected and put through a full washing, sanitising and rinsing process before they are refilled. Using bottles across repeated delivery cycles provides a practical alternative to relying on large numbers of smaller, single-use bottles.
Looking for spring water delivery?
Check whether Summer Springs delivers returnable spring water bottles and water coolers to your home or workplace.
Frequently asked questions
What is spring water?
Spring water is groundwater obtained from an underground water-bearing formation and containing naturally dissolved matter from its source. For packaged water in Australia, it does not have to be collected from a visible stream or surface spring.
Is spring water the same as mineral water?
The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code uses a combined definition for mineral water and spring water. In everyday marketing, “mineral water” is often used when the water’s mineral profile is a prominent part of the product.
Does spring water contain electrolytes?
It can contain naturally occurring minerals that are also electrolytes, including calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. The type and concentration vary by source, so spring water should not automatically be treated as an electrolyte replacement drink.
Is spring water better for hydration than tap water?
No universal claim can be made that spring water hydrates better than other safe drinking water. Its advantages generally relate to taste, source, treatment preferences and convenience.
Is spring water untreated?
Not necessarily. Responsible bottled-water suppliers commonly use filtration and disinfection controls to protect water quality. Summer Springs uses physical filtration and non-chlorine disinfection processes.
Does Summer Springs add chlorine or fluoride?
No. Summer Springs does not add chlorine or fluoride to its spring water. The treatment process varies by source and uses ultraviolet light together with silver-ion or ozone treatment.
Where does Summer Springs water come from?
Summer Springs sources its water from underground spring sources in regional NSW. Our current source areas include the Riverina, Central Coast and Dorrigo Plateau or Northern NSW. The source used depends on the product and the depot supplying the customer.
Can I have spring water delivered?
Summer Springs delivers 15L returnable spring water bottles to homes and workplaces across our regional NSW service area. Visit our delivery areas page to check your town or postcode.
Sources and further reading
- Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, Standard 1.1.2
- Food Standards Australia New Zealand
- Australian Drinking Water Guidelines
- NSW Health: Drinking water and public health
- Summer Springs source, treatment and independent testing information
Spring water does not need exaggerated health promises to be worthwhile. A genuine underground source, a naturally occurring taste profile, appropriate treatment and transparent independent testing are a much stronger story.
Happy hydrating!
