Eddie PhilipsThe United Kingdom is home to some of the cleanest and safest drinking water sources in the world, thanks to strict regulatory standards, modern treatment technology, and well-protected catchment areas. But not all water is created equal—different regions, companies, and sources provide varying mineral compositions, taste profiles, treatment processes, and sustainability practices.
This comprehensive guide outlines the Top 50 Drinking Water sources, brands, and regional providers in the UK, helping residents, visitors, and businesses choose the best water for taste, purity, health benefits, and environmental impact.
Top Best 50 Drinking Water in the UK
1. Scottish Highlands Tap Water
The Scottish Highlands consistently rank as having the purest tap water in the UK. Its low population density, protected reservoirs, and natural granite filtration produce exceptionally soft, clean-tasting water. Scottish Water’s advanced treatment systems ensure minimal contaminants, making it a top choice for both health and flavour.
2. Lake District (Cumbria) Tap Water
The Lake District is renowned for pristine catchment areas, fed by mountain springs and rainfall filtered through natural rock. Its soft texture and low mineral content contribute to a smooth, refreshing taste. United Utilities maintains strict purification standards, making this region’s water among the UK’s finest.
3. Wales (Snowdonia Region) Tap Water
Snowdonia’s water originates from well-protected upland lakes and reservoirs, known for extremely low chemical levels and natural purity. Treated by Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, it offers remarkable clarity, making it a favourite for both residents and water connoisseurs.
4. Harrogate Spring Water
A premium British water brand, Harrogate draws from ancient springs filtered through limestone layers. The result is naturally rich mineral water with balanced electrolytes. Known globally for its smooth taste, Harrogate is a popular choice among luxury hotels and wellness enthusiasts.
5. Buxton Natural Mineral Water
Buxton Water comes from Derbyshire’s Peak District, where rainwater is naturally filtered for over 5,000 years. It emerges rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium. This long-established brand is widely appreciated for its crisp taste and hydrating qualities.
6. Highland Spring Water
Sourced from the Ochil Hills in Perthshire, Highland Spring is one of the UK’s best-respected bottled water brands. It is certified organic, meaning its catchment area is protected from pollutants. Its natural mineral content and soft flavour make it a consumer favourite.
7. Yorkshire Water (Sheffield Region)
Sheffield’s tap water benefits from multiple upland reservoirs and a modern treatment network. The area is also known for balanced mineral content that avoids excessive hardness. Many consumers praise its clean taste and consistency.
8. South West Water (Devon & Cornwall)
This region benefits from moorland reservoirs and well-maintained treatment plants. Devon and Cornwall’s water is softer than many other English regions, giving it a smooth taste ideal for tea and coffee preparation.
9. Thames Water (Swindon & Oxfordshire Areas)
Certain areas of Thames Water territory, especially around Oxfordshire, are known for better-tasting tap water than central London. The water undergoes advanced treatment and strict quality monitoring, resulting in reliable purity.
10. Northumbrian Water
Servicing the northeast, Northumbrian Water provides high-quality drinking water from Kielder Water and surrounding sources. The region’s low pollution levels and advanced filtration techniques result in clean, bright-tasting tap water.
11. Strathmore Spring Water
Strathmore offers crisp, refreshing natural spring water sourced from the Vale of Strathmore in Scotland. It’s popular in sports venues and catering due to its light taste.
12. Glencoe Natural Spring Water
Sourced from the Scottish Highlands, Glencoe Water is known for its natural purity and low mineral content. Ideal for people who prefer extremely soft water.
13. Brecon Carreg Water (Wales)
This Welsh brand comes from protected hillsides of the Brecon Beacons National Park. It’s naturally filtered and offers a soft, refreshing taste.
14. Perthshire Tap Water
Perthshire’s water is considered among Scotland’s best due to mountainous catchments and minimal industrial activity, delivering clean, soft water.
15. Malvern Water
Malvern’s springs have been famous since Victorian times. Queen Victoria reportedly insisted on drinking only Malvern water. It contains natural minerals and has a pure, crisp taste.
16. Glenlivet Natural Mineral Water
Sourced near the Glenlivet Estate in Scotland, this water is lightly mineralised and known for its smooth taste.
17. Purely Scottish Natural Water
Offering both still and sparkling options, Purely Scottish draws water from the Lammermuir Hills. It boasts low sodium content, making it ideal for daily hydration.
18. Llanllyr SOURCE Water
A premium Welsh brand with a reputation for exceptional purity. It’s popular in fine dining and high-end hospitality.
19. Kenwood Natural Spring Water
Sourced from deep underground aquifers in England, Kenwood Water is appreciated for its balanced minerals and affordability.
20. Blenheim Palace Natural Mineral Water
Drawn from Oxfordshire, Blenheim Water has a naturally alkaline pH and smooth mouthfeel, making it ideal for gourmet settings.
21. Smartwater UK (Vapour-Distilled)
Inspired by clouds, Smartwater uses vapour distillation before adding electrolytes. It’s one of the cleaner-tasting bottled options.
22. Evian Natural Mineral Water (Imported But Popular in UK)
Though sourced from France, Evian is a top choice among UK shoppers for its mineral profile and smooth taste.
23. Dorset Tap Water (Wessex Water)
Dorset is praised for water that’s softer than many other southern regions, making it pleasant for both drinking and household use.
24. Anglian Water (Norfolk Region)
Norfolk’s water contains moderate minerals and undergoes extensive treatment to ensure high purity.
25. Scottish Water (Edinburgh Region)
Edinburgh enjoys exceptionally clean water sourced mainly from reservoirs in the Pentland Hills.
26. South Staffs Water
Supplying Staffordshire and West Midlands areas, the company is known for good-quality groundwater sources and advanced treatment.
27. Dee Valley Water (Wrexham Area)
Wrexham benefits from Welsh mountain water that offers natural softness and clarity.
28. Portsmouth Water
Known for consistent quality and strict testing protocols. The taste is moderately mineralised.
29. Bristol Water
Bristol’s tap water is generally clean and fresh, sourced from Chew Valley Lake and well-maintained reservoirs.
30. Severn Trent Water
Covering much of the Midlands, Severn Trent offers reliable quality, with waters sourced from both rivers and aquifers.
31. Northern Ireland Water (Mourne Mountains)
The Mourne Mountains provide some of the purest water in Northern Ireland. Naturally soft and very low in pollutants.
32. Highland Ice Valley Water
This premium brand uses glacial-style Scottish sources known for exceptional purity.
33. Princes Gate Water (Wales)
A popular natural spring water brand with a refreshing mineral balance.
34. London’s Best Tap Water Areas (Richmond & Kingston)
These boroughs often score higher than the London average due to upstream sources and modern treatment works.
35. Shropshire Tap Water
A rural area with low pollution and well-maintained groundwater sources.
36. Surrey Hills Spring Water
A natural spring water with a clean, mineral-balanced taste.
37. Kent Downs Natural Spring Water
Drawn from chalk aquifers, giving it a naturally alkaline profile.
38. Pure Life UK (Nestlé)
A widely consumed purified bottled water with added minerals.
39. Derbyshire Tap Water
Home to several natural springs and reservoirs offering high-quality drinking water.
40. East Yorkshire Tap Water
Praised for consistent quality and a slightly soft mineral profile.
41. Cotswold Natural Spring Water
Drawn from protected springs in the Cotswolds, offering clean, crisp water.
42. Flintshire Tap Water
Low-pollution rural environment supports high tap-water purity.
43. Hampshire Tap Water
Moderately hard but clean and highly regulated.
44. Belfast Tap Water
Some of the UK’s softest and clearest tap water.
45. Lincolnshire Tap Water
Known for modern treatment works and consistent quality.
46. Pennine Spring Water
A Yorkshire-based bottled water with refreshing taste.
47. Aqua Pura (Cumbria)
Natural mineral water from the Eden Valley.
48. Deeside Mineral Water (Scotland)
Sourced from Royal Deeside, known for ultra-low sodium levels.
49. Spa Hills Natural Spring Water
A boutique spring water brand from Yorkshire.
50. Stratford-on-Avon Tap Water
Clean, reliable, and soft enough for pleasant everyday drinking.
Conclusion
The UK boasts a wide range of high-quality drinking water sources—from tap water regions like the Scottish Highlands and Lake District to premium bottled brands like Buxton, Highland Spring, and Harrogate. Whether you prioritise mineral content, softness, natural purity, or sustainable sourcing, the UK offers some of the best drinking water options in Europe.