What differentiates natural mineral water from drinking water? In truth, both satisfy the primary need of quenching one's thirst, but they are profoundly different.

In order to be defined as such, mineral water must come solely from underground aquifers, which instill the original purity and protect it against the risks of pollution. Tap water, which is distributed via the waterworks, can derive from potentially contaminated groundwater, such as lakes and rivers. For this reason, drinking water is subjected to bacterial disinfection. The quality of tap water depends on the conditions of the water distribution network, which can vary significantly from town to town. On the other hand, mineral water is served just as it was at the source without interventions of any type. Bottling at the source maintains all of the properties that the water possesses at the moment when it gushes forth.

Moreover, mineral water must maintain its essential properties over time. For this reason, throughout the production stages, it is subjected to strict and continuous checks by health authorities (local health authorities, regional environmental protection laboratories, and health and food control teams). If non-compliant parameters are verified, the licence to sell is revoked. In regard to tap water, exceptions can be requested and obtained if there are non-compliances pertaining to the set parameters.

In Italy only water that meets the legal criteria set by Decree-law 8th October 2011 n. 176 can be sold using the wording “mineral water”.