Is Spring Water Better Than Los Angeles Tap Water?

Spring water has become a popular option in Los Angeles for people looking to avoid the taste and potential byproducts of municipal tap water. Whether you’re stocking up during a heatwave or simply want a more consistent source of cleaner drinking water, spring water offers a natural alternative—often with a crisp taste thanks to its mineral-rich origins.

While Los Angeles is best known for its complex water delivery system, the region also has historical ties to natural springs like Centinela Springs and spring-fed sources in the San Bernardino Mountains. For many locals, spring water represents not just purity, but a connection to California’s natural landscape.

But is it actually better than what comes from the tap? Here’s what Los Angeles residents should know.

Spring water originates from underground aquifers and rises to the surface naturally under pressure. It may be collected directly from the springhead or tapped through artesian wells. Spring water typically retains natural minerals like calcium and magnesium, which give it a clean, refreshing taste—and possible health benefits.

Centinela Springs, for example, was once a major water source for early Los Angeles settlements, prized for its naturally filtered water. Today, many residents still prefer spring water for its taste, mineral content, and origin in these types of protected natural environments.

According to the 2024 Water Quality Report from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), the city’s tap water comes from the Los Angeles Aqueduct, imported water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and some local groundwater sources.

While this water goes through extensive treatment—including disinfection, filtration, and corrosion control—it still contains trace levels of contaminants.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) notes that Los Angeles tap water includes substances like:

These contaminants fall within EPA legal limits, but some exceed EWG’s stricter health-based guidelines, especially when considering long-term exposure. For sensitive groups—like children, pregnant individuals, or those with weakened immune systems—spring water or high-performance filtration may offer additional peace of mind.

For many LA households, the decision to choose spring water isn’t just about safety—it’s also about quality and convenience.

Here’s why Los Angeles residents are turning to spring water:

In a city where health, sustainability, and quality are top-of-mind, spring water offers a reliable alternative to standard municipal water.

If bottled or delivered spring water isn’t ideal for your lifestyle, installing a home water filtration system can offer similar benefits.

Reverse osmosis systems, for example, use multiple filtration stages—including sediment and carbon filters followed by a semipermeable membrane—to remove contaminants. This technology can produce water that matches or exceeds the taste and purity of most bottled options.

Culligan of Los Angeles also offers deionized water, which is purified using both reverse osmosis and ion exchange to remove nearly all dissolved solids.

These systems are ideal for:

Whether you’re filling reusable bottles, cooking meals, or preparing baby formula, a filtration system gives you control over your home’s water supply.

If you prefer the crisp taste of natural spring water without the grocery store trips, Culligan of Los Angeles delivers spring water as well as water purified by reverse osmosis and deionization.

Culligan’s spring water is sourced from protected locations, then filtered and sterilized through UV light to retain its minerals and deliver a clean, crisp finish.

Culligan’s multi-stage RO systems:

Culligan’s deionized option removes nearly all dissolved solids, offering ultra-pure water that’s ideal for specialized use or personal preference.

Flexible delivery schedules, water cooler rentals, and bottle size options make it easy to keep your home or office stocked—especially during peak summer temperatures when hydration is key.

Explore Culligan’s drinking water systems pages to find the best fit for your lifestyle.

Single-use plastic bottles contribute to pollution in landfills, waterways, and coastlines. Refillable delivery services help you:

Culligan’s closed-loop delivery system ensures each bottle is sanitized, reused, and responsibly handled—helping Southern Californians stay hydrated without harming the planet.

Choosing between spring water and purified water often comes down to personal preference—but for many Southern California households, a bottle-free water solution is the smarter long-term choice.

If you’re after naturally occurring minerals, spring water is a great option. But if your priority is clean, consistent water without the hassle of delivery schedules, bottle storage, or plastic waste, a purified water dispenser may be the better fit. These systems connect directly to your water line and use advanced filtration—such as reverse osmosis—to provide fresh, great-tasting water on demand.

For those using water in humidifiers, CPAP machines, or kitchen appliances, purified water is also more efficient. The minerals found in spring water can cause buildup and reduce equipment performance over time.

If you want dependable, high-quality water throughout your home, Culligan’s whole home water filters and point-of-use dispensers eliminate the need for bottled water entirely. You get the peace of mind of filtered, purified water from every faucet, with no deliveries, no waste, and no interruptions—just clean, crisp water whenever and wherever you need it.