Spring vs Alkaline vs Distilled Water: Which Should You Drink in Vancouver?

TajWater delivers three types of 5-gallon water jugs across Metro Vancouver: spring, alkaline, and distilled. Most customers pick spring water by default — but understanding the differences helps you make the right choice for your household, office, or specific health needs.

The Short Answer

• Spring water — best for everyday drinking and cooking. Natural minerals, neutral pH, great taste.
• Alkaline water — best for health-conscious households and active people. Higher pH, enhanced minerals.
• Distilled water — best for CPAP machines, steam irons, aquariums, and lab use. Mineral-free.

Spring Water

Spring water is sourced from natural underground aquifers and contains minerals that occur naturally in the water as it filters through rock and soil. The mineral profile — typically calcium, magnesium, and potassium — gives spring water its characteristic clean taste that most people associate with high-quality bottled water.

Spring water delivered by TajWater across Metro Vancouver has a neutral pH of approximately 7.2–7.8. It is tested for over 200 contaminants and contains no added chlorine, chloramines, or fluoride — the compounds that give Vancouver and Burnaby tap water its occasional taste and odour.

Price: $8.99 per 5-gallon jug, free delivery across Metro Vancouver.

Alkaline Water

Alkaline water is purified water that has been enhanced with minerals — typically calcium, magnesium, and potassium — to raise its pH level to 8.0–9.5. The higher pH is what defines it as “alkaline.” Unlike spring water, the mineral content in alkaline water is added during a controlled purification process rather than occurring naturally.

Some studies suggest alkaline water may help with acid reflux and improve hydration after exercise, though the scientific evidence is not conclusive. What most alkaline water drinkers consistently report is a noticeably smoother taste compared to neutral water. Many find it more pleasant to drink in large quantities.

Best for: Health-conscious households, people with acid reflux, athletes, anyone who wants to increase their daily water intake.
Price: $12.99 per 5-gallon jug, free delivery across Metro Vancouver.

Distilled Water

Distilled water is produced by boiling water until it becomes steam, then condensing that steam back into liquid. This process removes virtually all dissolved solids — minerals, salts, heavy metals, and organic compounds — leaving water that is 99.9% pure H₂O with a pH of approximately 5.5–7.0.

Because distilled water contains no minerals, it is not recommended as your primary drinking water source for long periods. However, it is the correct choice for specific applications where mineral-free water is required:

• CPAP and BiPAP humidifier chambers (prevents mineral scale buildup)
• Steam irons and garment steamers
• Aquariums and reptile enclosures requiring controlled mineral levels
• Laboratory and scientific equipment
• Car batteries and cooling systems
• Dental equipment and medical devices

Price: $9.99 per 5-gallon jug, free delivery across Metro Vancouver.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Which Should You Choose?

For most Metro Vancouver households, spring water is the right choice. It tastes great, contains beneficial minerals, and is the most affordable option at $8.99 per jug.

Choose alkaline water if you or someone in your household has acid reflux, you prefer a smoother-tasting water, or you want the potential hydration benefits that some athletes report.

Choose distilled water if you use a CPAP machine, need water for specific equipment, or require mineral-free water for medical or laboratory purposes. Many households order both — spring water for drinking and distilled for their CPAP.

Not sure? Contact TajWater and we will help you pick the right water for your situation. All three types are available for delivery across all 21 zones in Metro Vancouver, including Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Coquitlam, Richmond, Langley, and Port Coquitlam.

Frequently Asked Questions