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 terms actually mean? TDS, pH levels, mineral content—these aren't just marketing jargon. They're important indicators of water quality and taste that can help you make informed choices about what you're drinking.

Let's break down how to read water labels like an expert, so you can understand exactly what you're paying for when 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 liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm). This includes minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium, as well as 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 spring water)
• 600+ mg/L: Very high mineral content (mineral water)

What's ideal? It depends on your preference. Ultra-light waters (like Little Hampton at 50 mg/L) offer exceptional purity with a smooth, soft mouthfeel that's effortless to drink all day. Medium TDS waters provide more pronounced mineral character. Very low TDS can taste flat, while very high TDS can feel heavy.

Understanding pH Levels in Water

The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline water is, ranging from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very alkaline), with 7 being neutral.

pH Ranges in Drinking Water:

• 6.5-7.0: Slightly acidic (common in some natural spring waters)
• 7.0: Neutral (pure water)
• 7.0-8.5: Slightly alkaline (many premium spring waters)

What's best? Natural spring water typically has a pH between 6.5 and 8.5, depending on the minerals it encounters during filtration through rock formations. A gentle alkaline pH (like Little Hampton's 7.8) is naturally balanced—not artificially enhanced—and contributes to a clean, crisp taste without bitterness.

A Real-World Example: Little Hampton Spring Water

To see how these numbers translate to actual water quality, let's look at Little Hampton Spring Water from Victoria's Hepburn Region:

• pH: 7.8 (gently alkaline)
• TDS: 50 mg/L (ultra-light mineral profile)
• Sodium: Low
• Sulphates & Chlorides: Free from both

What does this profile mean for taste and quality? With a gentle alkaline pH of 7.8 and an ultra-light mineral profile of just 50 mg/L, it delivers a smooth, soft mouthfeel that feels effortless to drink all day. Low in sodium and free from sulphates and chlorides, the taste is clean, crisp, and without bitterness or after-notes.

Where many imported waters are heavy or acidic and many local waters vary in balance, Little Hampton remains consistently pure, delicate, and beautifully structured. This is what naturally filtered spring water should taste like—nothing added, nothing artificial, just the result of decades-long filtration through ancient Hepburn Region rock formations.

Key Minerals to Look For

Premium spring water labels often list specific mineral content. Here's what each mineral contributes:

Calcium (Ca)

Essential for bone health and gives water a smooth, slightly sweet taste. Natural spring water typically contains 20-100 mg/L.

Magnesium (Mg)

Supports muscle and nerve function, adds a subtle mineral taste. Look for 5-50 mg/L in quality spring water.

Sodium (Na)

Naturally occurring in spring water. Low sodium content (under 20 mg/L) ensures clean taste without saltiness.

Potassium (K)

Supports hydration and electrolyte balance. Typically found in small amounts (1-10 mg/L).

Silica (SiO₂)

A trace mineral that may support skin and bone health. Indicates water has filtered through volcanic or sedimentary rock.

Bicarbonate (HCO₃)

Contributes to alkalinity and gives water a smooth, refreshing taste. Common in naturally alkaline spring waters.

Sulphates & Chlorides

While naturally occurring in some waters, high levels can create bitter or chemical aftertastes. Premium spring waters are often naturally low or free from these compounds.

What "Naturally Filtered" Really Means

When a label says "naturally filtered," it means the water has passed through geological formations (rock, sand, gravel) over an extended period—sometimes decades. This natural filtration removes impurities while adding beneficial minerals from the rock layers.

Compare this to "purified" or "filtered" water, which typically starts as tap water and goes through mechanical filtration or reverse osmosis to remove everything—including beneficial minerals—before sometimes adding minerals back artificially.

Source Matters: What to Look For

Premium water labels should clearly state:

• Source location: Where the water comes from (e.g., "Hepburn Region, Victoria")
• Source type: Spring, artesian, or mineral water
• Bottled at source: Indicates minimal handling and transport
• Protected source: Shows environmental stewardship

Australian spring water sourced from protected regions like the Hepburn area benefits from strict environmental regulations and geological advantages that create exceptional water quality.

Reading Between the Lines: Marketing vs. Facts

Be wary of vague claims without supporting data:

• "Alkaline water" without pH listed—how alkaline is it really?
• "Mineral-rich" without mineral breakdown—what minerals and how much?
• "Pure" without source information—pure from where?
• "Enhanced" or "fortified"—means minerals were added artificially

Legitimate premium water brands provide transparent information about TDS, pH, mineral content, and source.

How to Choose the Right Water for You

Now that you can read the labels, here's how to choose:

For everyday hydration: Look for balanced profiles with neutral to slightly alkaline pH (7.0-8.0). Ultra-light TDS (50-150 mg/L) offers smooth, easy drinking, while medium TDS (150-300 mg/L) provides more mineral character.

For taste preference: Lower TDS tastes lighter, cleaner, and more neutral—ideal if you drink large quantities daily. Higher TDS has more pronounced mineral character that some prefer.

For purity: Check for low or absent sulphates, chlorides, and sodium. These contribute to off-flavors and bitterness.

For sustainability: Choose locally sourced spring water bottled at source to minimize transportation impact and support protected water sources.

For quality assurance: Look for transparent labeling with specific source information, mineral breakdown, and TDS/pH data.

The Bottom Line

Understanding water labels empowers you to make informed choices. Premium spring water isn't just about marketing—it's about geological origin, natural mineral balance, and transparent sourcing practices.

When you see detailed mineral content, TDS levels, pH information, and clear source identification on a label, you're looking at a brand that values transparency and quality. That's water worth drinking.

All our spring water products include detailed source and mineral information, so you know exactly what you're drinking. Explore our range of naturally balanced Australian spring water with free shipping nationwide.