Bottled water has long been sold as a pure and convenient alternative to tap water. It’s crisp, it’s accessible, and it’s everywhere — from gyms to airports to grocery store shelves. 

However, beneath the sleek labels and promises of purity lie a few uncomfortable truths.

The bottled water industry has created a perception of purity while hiding two significant issues: its substantial environmental footprint and its often misleading sourcing practices. These systematic problems affect both the planet and the people who trust what’s on the label.

At One Water, we believe premium bottled water doesn’t have to come at a high environmental cost. 

We’re tackling both of these problems head-on through more innovative design and authentic sourcing that takes you closer to the pure experience nature intended.

The Hidden Problem #1: The Carbon Footprint of Shipping Water

Shipping water sounds simple until you consider that it’s incredibly heavy in bulk, and that every mile a bottle travels adds to carbon emissions via freight lines.

Studies have shown that the production, packaging, and transportation of bottled water contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. 

The actual cost of bottled water extends beyond the bottle itself, encompassing manufacturing energy, freight emissions, and disposal waste. 

Here’s what contributes most to bottled water’s emissions problem:

  • Energy-intensive bottle manufacturing
  • Long-distance transport of water-heavy freight
  • Cooling, storage, and retail logistics
  • Disposal and recycling inefficiencies

All that weight adds up, and most brands aren’t doing anything about it. As a result, most of the bottled water industry continues to have a negative impact on the environment.

How One Water Fixes the Shipping Emissions Problem

At One Water, we took a design-first approach to sustainability. Rather than compensating for carbon emissions after the fact, we set out to reduce them from the start.

Our bottle is compact, efficient, and engineered with purpose. By minimizing air space and maximizing per-pallet density, we move more water with fewer emissions. 

Every design decision — from bottle shape to stacking orientation — helps us cut emissions during transport and storage.

Our bottle design helps cut emissions by:

  • Reducing air space in packaging
  • Increasing per-pallet efficiency
  • Minimizing transport frequency
  • Lowering CO₂ impact per mile

The Hidden Problem #2: Bottled Water That’s Just Filtered Tap Water

Here’s the industry’s other open secret: many bottled water brands simply repackage municipal water. It’s filtered, branded, and sold at a markup.

While the FDA regulates these sources and requires companies to follow specific guidelines, some filtration systems do not effectively remove all contaminants from the water.

Most bottled water on the market relies heavily on marketing that emphasizes purity, but it’s often:

  • Rebranded municipal tap water
  • Filtered using similar systems found in home setups
  • Marketed as “spring water” without a verified origin
  • Lacks the unique mineral profile of true natural springs

The result? Consumers think they’re buying pristine water when in reality, they’re paying for filtered convenience.

How One Water Restores Purity and Provenance

We believe water should come from a place that tells a story — not the local water supply of a bottling plant. 

That’s why we source from protected springs around the globe, where natural filtration and mineral composition create truly distinct character.

Every bottle reflects our commitment to the belief that sustainability is our responsibility. We bottle close to our sources to minimize transport emissions, utilize recyclable materials, and maintain transparency in every drop.

Every bottle of One Water reflects our promise of purity:

  • Ethically sourced from pristine springs
  • Naturally filtered through mineral-rich environments
  • Bottled close to the source for minimal transport
  • Designed for both taste and sustainability

The Bigger Picture: Redefining What “Premium” Means

Most bottled water brands define “premium” through packaging or marketing, not through integrity. 

Some brands have made strides in sustainability through materials like aluminum and cardboard, but few address the deeper question: Where does your water actually come from, and how did it get to you?

At One Water, we believe premium means doing better for you and for the planet. 

Our focus goes beyond aesthetics and convenience. We’re creating a future where performance, purity, and sustainability coexist.

Discover the Purity of Nature With One Water

The problems with most bottled water are clear, but the solution doesn’t have to be complicated. 

By rethinking everything from design to sourcing, we’re demonstrating that purity and sustainability can coexist.

At One Water, we don’t just bottle hydration — we bottle an experience. Every sip connects you to the source, bringing clarity, freshness, and purpose to what you drink. 

Join the hydration revolution by finding One Water near you.