Not all bottled waters are what they appear to be. Some unethical brands hide behind fancy labels. Strip away those labels, and you’re left with serious issues, such as contamination or misleading marketing. So, before you buy bottled water, make sure it’s not from any of these ten brands. Thankfully, some have been completely shut down.
Real Water
In 2021, Real Water found itself at the center of a health scandal. After several people experienced severe liver damage, investigations revealed unsafe practices. This led to millions in lawsuits and widespread distrust. The brand ultimately ceased operations and became a lesson about overlooked safety standards.
Penafiel
Penafiel bottled water made headlines when tests revealed arsenic levels higher than what the FDA deems safe. Linked to long-term health effects like cancer and cardiovascular problems, arsenic raised major red flags. The brand’s reputation took a hit despite its association with Keurig Dr Pepper.
Perrier
At Perrier’s French plant, bacterial contamination led to the blocking of 300,000 bottles, with the company delaying reporting the issue to health authorities. This crisis follows their April 2024 destruction of 2 million bottles. Nestle Waters France faces a criminal investigation for allegedly using illegal water purification methods.
Starkey Spring Water
While Starkey Spring Water might seem like a premium choice, it’s not as pure as it looks. Tests have found alarming arsenic levels in their water, three times higher than those of other tested brands. Despite this, the brand continued to sell it, prompting backlash.
Fiji Water
In 2024, millions of Fiji Water bottles were recalled due to high manganese levels and bacterial contamination. What many saw as a luxury brand quickly became a cautionary tale. High manganese exposure can cause neurological issues, and bacterial contamination poses serious health risks if consumed.
Ice Mountain
Even though it is marketed as crisp and refreshing, not everyone agrees. Ice Mountain has faced criticism over environmental practices, including large-scale water extraction. Consumer reviews indicate mixed experiences with taste and quality, with some reporting off-putting textures.
Niagara Bottling
In 2015, Niagara issued a major recall due to potential E. coli contamination. While the issue was addressed, concerns linger about their safety standards. Since then, consumer watchdog groups have flagged the brand for inconsistent quality control, which has raised ongoing questions about its reliability.
Aquafina
Aquafina, PepsiCo’s bottled water, has faced backlash for being essentially purified tap water. Despite the fancy packaging, this brand gets its water from municipal supplies. After consumer pressure in 2007, PepsiCo added “Public Water Source” to Aquafina labels, acknowledging it has processed tap water from over 40 locations across North America.
Dasani
People love the convenience of Dasani, but have you ever noticed the aftertaste? That’s due to added minerals like magnesium sulfate. While some people don’t mind, others get uncomfortable with it. Trace minerals tweak the flavor profile and make it taste less pure than natural spring water.
Crystal Geyser
Crystal Geyser might look like a healthy choice, but it doesn’t always live up to expectations. Some consumers report inconsistent quality and odd tastes, like a plasticky flavor. Tests have also shown variations in mineral content depending on the bottling source, which makes it less reliable than competitors.
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