Mineral Water vs Spring Water: Understanding the Difference

When choosing bottled water, we often see the terms mineral water and spring water used interchangeably. In reality, they represent two distinct types of naturally sourced water, each shaped by its environment and geological journey. At Aquaworks, we’ve spent over 25 years working directly with Australian spring sources, so we believe clarity is important — especially when it comes to what you’re drinking.

Pure water begins with nature.

What Defines Spring Water?

Spring water comes from an underground aquifer and naturally flows to the surface or is accessed through a protected bore. As it moves through layers of rock and soil, it becomes naturally filtered and picks up small amounts of beneficial minerals along the way.

Spring Water Characteristics:

• Naturally filtered underground

• Light, balanced mineral content

• Typically smooth, clean taste

• Often naturally alkaline

• Minimal intervention required

This is the type of water used across our brands including Little Hampton Spring Water and Peninsula Springs — known for their gentle mineral profiles and refreshing clarity.

What Defines Mineral Water?

Mineral water also originates underground, but it must contain a legally defined level of minerals. These minerals may be naturally present or sometimes added to maintain a consistent profile.

Mineral Water Characteristics:

• Higher dissolved mineral levels (e.g., calcium, magnesium, sodium)

• More noticeable, sometimes salty or sharp taste

• Can be naturally or artificially carbonated

• Often used for dining or pairing rather than everyday hydration

While mineral waters can offer strong character and distinct flavour, they can also feel “heavier” for regular drinking.

Mineral Water vs Spring Water — The Key Difference

The difference lies in balance.

Feature	Spring Water	Mineral Water
Source	Natural aquifer	Natural aquifer
Mineral Level	Light & balanced	Medium to high
Taste	Smooth & refreshing	Stronger, more pronounced
Best For	Everyday hydration	Occasional or dining enjoyment

Spring water provides an easy-drinking, gentle profile, making it ideal for daily hydration, wellness routines, and family use. Mineral water offers a more complex flavour, which some people enjoy for food pairing or occasional drinking.

Why Aquaworks Chooses Spring Water

For over two decades, our focus has been sourcing and bottling pure Australian spring water — not altering it.

We prioritise:

• Natural mineral balance, not enhancement

• Sustainability, through glass and infinitely recyclable aluminium cans

• Local sourcing, supporting regional communities

• A transparent supply chain, from spring to bottle

Our portfolio celebrates variety without compromise:

• Little Hampton Spring Water: refined, elegantly balanced, premium dining and entertaining

• Peninsula Springs: everyday hydration for families and active lifestyles

• Acqua Sorrento: Italian-inspired sparkling, proudly Australian

• Skull Water: modern hydration for music, culture, and youth social spaces

Each brand is different — but all share the same foundation: pure Australian spring water.

Understanding Mineral Water vs Spring Water helps us make informed choices about how we hydrate. Spring water provides a naturally balanced mineral profile that feels clean, refreshing, and easy to enjoy every day — which is why we choose to preserve it just as nature intended. At Aquaworks, we bottle Australian spring water with care, sustainability, and respect for the source.