 | Frequently Asked Questions |  |
Can I have Mountain Valley Spring Water delivered to me?
To find your authorized Mountain Valley distributor, click here.
Where does Mountain Valley Spring Water come from?
Every drop of Mountain Valley comes from a single, natural spring source that originates deep within the earth’s surface. The spring is located within 633 acres of protected, company-owned land approximately 12 miles from Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas. We bottle Mountain Valley at the spring site.
What’s in Mountain Valley Spring Water that makes it different?
Mountain Valley has a very pleasing natural mineral content, consisting mainly of calcium, potassium, and magnesium. However, Mountain Valley is sodium free according to FDA standards (less than 5 milligrams of sodium per liter). For a full mineral analysis, click here.
How did Mountain Valley get its name?
The first known owner of the property containing the Mountain Valley spring was Benjamin Lockett. Mr. Lockett and his son Enoch sold some of the water locally around Hot Springs until it became known as “Lockett’s Spring Water.” Dr. Peter Greene, an Arkansas pharmacist, began to market the water and then changed its name to “Mountain Valley” (after the name of the nearby small community) in 1871. Dr. Greene purchased the land in 1872, began to improve the spring site, and gave Mountain Valley its start.
Why isn’t Mountain Valley called a “mineral water”?
In its early days, Mountain Valley was indeed sold as a mineral water. More recently, federal regulators set a uniform standard for the level of total dissolved solids (TDS) required for a “mineral water” designation in the U.S.; at approximately 240 parts per million, Mountain Valley’s TDS falls below the 250 parts per million threshold.
How is Mountain Valley Sparkling Water made?
Mountain Valley Sparkling is simply our award-winning spring water, injected with CO2. We selected a light carbonation level so that Mountain Valley Sparkling would be a perfect meal accompaniment or a refreshing treat that doesn’t make you feel full.
What are the differences between spring water and other types of water on the market?
Some of the most heavily advertised waters on the market are “purified waters,” meaning they come from municipal (tap water) sources and are put through substantial processing treatments. (Don’t be fooled by pictures of mountains or bodies of water on the labels of purified waters!) Spring waters come from some underground formation through which water naturally moves to the earth’s surface. Spring water must, by law, be collected at the source or via a bore hole that taps the underground formation. Every spring is a little different, depending upon water depth, rock formations, etc.
Is Mountain Valley Spring Water alkaline or acidic?
Alkaline water has a pH of more than 7.0, while water with a pH of less than 7.0 is considered acidic. Mountain Valley Spring Water, with a pH in the range of 8.3, is moderately alkaline. Acidic elements in water--such as chlorine, sulfates, and nitrates—lower its pH and its health benefits. Our blood’s pH is in a narrow range of 7.30 - 7.45; the higher your blood’s pH, the more oxygen it contains. Drinking an alkaline water like Mountain Valley Spring Water helps you keep enough healthy oxygen available to your blood cells.
Who regulates bottled water?
The bottled water industry is heavily regulated by both federal and state agencies. Bottled water companies also conform to standards set by industry associations.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates bottled water as a food product. State governments work with the FDA to assure quality standards are followed. At Mountain Valley, we open our plant to inspections by a third-party company. Mountain Valley also proudly participates in quality programs run by the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA); we regularly earn the IBWA’s “Excellence in Manufacturing” designation.
Does Mountain Valley Spring Water have a shelf life?
The FDA has not established a shelf life for bottled water. Mountain Valley Spring Company complies with state regulations that have specified a two-year expiration from the date of production. The code dates are printed on each bottle.
What do the “NSF” and “OU” marks on the label mean?
In addition to compliance with federal and state regulators, Mountain Valley Spring Company chooses to participate in the National Sanitation Foundation’s voluntary quality program. The NSF conducts annual unannounced plant inspections that cover every aspect of a bottler’s operation – from the source of the water, through the disinfection and treatment processes, and the bottle closure process. The NSF also performs extensive testing for over 160 chemical, inorganic, radiological, and microbiological contaminants.
The Orthodox Union (OU) conducts the world’s best-known kosher certification. OU certification means that Mountain Valley Spring Water may be consumed by all those who observe kosher dietary laws, as well as many others who have special dietary requirements (such as Moslems and Seventh Day Adventists).
Is Mountain Valley Spring Water filtered or processed in any way?
Yes. In accordance with federal and state regulations and good industry practice, Mountain Valley Spring Water is both filtered and protected with ultraviolet light and ozone. Ozone is used to kill bacteria that may commonly be found in water supplies. Because ozone rapidly breaks down to oxygen after being injected into the water, the wonderful taste of Mountain Valley Spring Water is not affected.
How does Mountain Valley test for bacteria and other potential contaminants?
Mountain Valley Spring Company’s on-site quality control laboratory conducts dozens of tests on samples from both the spring source and product water each day. In addition, additional samples are submitted to the Arkansas Department of Health and third-party laboratories on a weekly basis.
Why do you use the term “America’s Premium Water”? Is it true?
This tagline has been used by Mountain Valley Spring Company for years. It tells consumers, simply and correctly, that there is no finer American water available to them. Not only is Mountain Valley America’s oldest and most prestigious bottled-water brand, it is also a recent two-time Gold Medal winner of the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting competition as the “best-tasting non-carbonated water in the world” (1997 and 2003). Mountain Valley Sparkling Water has won a Silver Medal in the same worldwide competition.
Who is Mountain Valley’s competition?
As a premium product available in glass, Mountain Valley has a unique position among American waters. Its competition is primarily from premium imported waters from France, Germany, and Italy.
Why is Mountain Valley mostly bottled in green glass?
Many years ago, Mountain Valley Spring Company began bottling the water in green glass in order to set it apart from other readily available waters. Over time, market research has confirmed that consumers recognize Mountain Valley as “the green bottle with the red oval label.” While there are exceptions—Mountain Valley’s signature five-gallon bottle, for example, is made of nearly clear glass—the green bottle continues as a unique package among domestic waters.
What is PET plastic, and why is it safe for use in Mountain Valley plastic containers?
PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is a clear, tough polymer that provides an excellent barrier against oxygen and carbon dioxide. Because of those properties, it has become the plastic material of choice for food and beverage packaging. Consistent with studies by regulators and independent research groups, a 2000 report from the International Life Sciences Institute indicates that “PET itself is biologically inert if ingested, is dermally safe during handling, and is not a hazard if inhaled.”
Occasionally small particles or white film may be seen in Mountain Valley Spring Water. What is it?
Very likely they are part of the mineral content which has come out of solution through pressure or temperature changes inside the bottle. Crystallization of minerals occurs most often when Mountain Valley Spring Water is boiled or frozen for beverages or cooking.
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