Frequently Asked Questions

The FDA defines spring water as “water derived from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface of the earth.” The FDA sets stringent national standards for what qualifies as “spring water” – standards that Poland Spring® consistently meets or exceeds. Those requirements are: Spring water shall be collected only at the spring or through a borehole that taps into the underground formation feeding the spring. There must be a natural force causing the water to flow to the surface through a natural orifice. The location of the spring shall be identified. Spring water that is collected with the use of an external force, such as a pump, shall: be from the same underground stratum as the spring, as shown by a measurable hydraulic connection between the bore hole and the natural spring; have all the physical properties, before treatment, and be of the same composition and quality, as the water that flows naturally to the surface; and water must continue to flow naturally to the surface of the earth through the spring’s natural orifice. View the FDA requirements in the Code of Federal Regulations.

Ozarka® Still Spring Water comes from several carefully selected springs in Eastern Texas. Learn more about our Ozarka springs sources.

Yes. As a matter of fact, the FDA’s regulations for bottled water are just as strict as the EPA’s regulations for tap water, if not stricter. We test our water even more than tap (60 times more often than most municipal water, to be exact). If you ask us, better standards mean fresh (and great) tasting water. That’s why we test each bottling line 250 times annually.

Spring water comes from naturally occurring springs that flow to the earth’s surface. Purified water, on the other hand, can come from municipal, well or spring water supplies. The water undergoes reverse osmosis before we add minerals back for consistent taste). Our Sparkling Water may not come from Texas, but the sources meet all our standards and are identified on every label. Check it out the next time you’re enjoying a bottle.

Our bottles don’t have an expiration date, but they do have a “Best By” date. Just find the letters “BB” (for “Best By”) which will either be one inch above or below the label depending on where your bottle was made. Every Ozarka® Brand bottled water product has a “Best By” date of its own: Still (non-carbonated): 18 months from manufacturing date.

We have a detailed water quality report that is publicly available and updated annually. We take the quality of water products seriously, and our report is based on independent testing results from certified labs. You can also call the 800 number located on your Ozarka® water bottle label for more information.

Ozarka® Spring Water is safe. Ozarka® brand has three levels of safety measures to uphold to high standards of quality including glacial filtration, careful management of the spring sources and precise filtration and sanitation methods in the bottling lines. Ozarka® goes through a 10-step quality process to ensure the best quality and crisp refreshing taste.

Nope — we no longer sell fluoridated water. You can learn more about our water straight from our water quality report.

Ozarka® Spring Water can range in pH level from 5.4-7.1 at the time of bottling. The pH of water varies by spring and relies on a number of factors, like mineral level. Ozarka Spring Water is sourced from several springs within Texas, so pH levels may differ from bottle to bottle. Learn more about Ozarka spring sources.

Ozarka® Spring Water is filtered naturally when it’s drained through soil and rock as well as it goes through a 10-step quality process including filtering to ensure the best quality and crisp refreshing taste.

Spring water comes from a naturally occurring spring source (like one of the three Texas springs we use for our Ozarka® Brand Spring Water). Tap water usually comes from a municipal source that flows directly to your faucet.

Because spring water is best enjoyed in sips and gulps, Ozarka® should be treated like a food product. You should store it at a moderate temperature and keep it away from detergents, cleansers, car supplies and other strong-smelling things.

Ozarka® brand offers Spring Water, sparkling water, and distilled water products. Our distilled water is meant for use in small appliances and is available in 1 gallon, 2.5 gallon and 5 gallon bottles.

No — we no longer sell fluoridated water. You can learn more about our water straight from our water quality report.

No, Ozarka® is Spring Water. Spring water comes from naturally occurring springs that flow to the earth’s surface.

No, Ozarka® is Spring Water. Spring water comes from naturally occurring springs that flow to the earth’s surface. Ozarka® goes through a 10-step quality process to ensure the best quality and crisp refreshing taste. Purified water, on the other hand, can come from municipal, well or spring water supplies. The water undergoes reverse osmosis before we add minerals back for consistent taste).

How extreme are we talking here? Like any other food product, bottled water should be stored at a moderate temperature — we don’t recommend leaving them out on the basketball court all day in the heat of summer (who wants to drink hot water, anyway?). With that in mind, PET plastics are fully approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for food and beverage storage and are entirely safe.

All Ozarka® bottles are made from either PET or rPET plastic and comply with FDA regulations.

Ozarka® Spring Water comes in a variety of sizes and bottles ranging from 8 fl oz to 5 gallons. Take a look at our full product range to match your needs

Ozarka® most popular size is our half liter bottle which contains 16.9 fl oz. Take a look at our product sizes to match your needs.

Every bottle we make is recyclable. When our 3-gallon and 5-gallon bottles are returned to us, we wash, sanitize and refill them 7-30 times. At the end of all that, we recycle them one last time. Keep recycling your bottles — together we can create an (almost) never-ending cycle.

Shucks, we’re glad you’re interested! Send your sponsorship or donation request here. Fair warning, we can only consider proposals 45 days in advance of your opportunity. As long as it’s in the time frame, we’ll give it a look and respond to your request.

We do offer deals from time to time to get our water to more customers in need of refreshment. So be on the lookout — check your local circulars or visit store shelves.

Ozarka® products are conveniently available online or at a retailer near you. Explore where to buy Ozarka® products to learn more.

We do offer deals from time to time to get our water to more customers in need of refreshment. So be on the lookout — check your local circulars or visit store shelves.