No, Poland Spring water is not dechlorinated because it naturally contains no chlorine or chlorine by-products. Its purity stems from its protected underground sources, meaning the water is inherently free of these chemicals from its origin and does not require a dechlorination process.
Understanding the Purity of Spring Water
Poland Spring sources its water from protected, pristine underground springs. Unlike municipal tap water, which often requires chemical treatment like chlorination to eliminate harmful bacteria and make it safe for consumption, spring water benefits from natural filtration. As water travels through layers of rock and soil, it undergoes a natural purification process.
This natural protection is crucial. The water drawn from these sources is inherently free of many contaminants that might be found in surface water. Specifically, the water from these sources is not allowed to be contaminated by streams or reservoirs and is confirmed to have no harmful organisms, chlorine, or chlorine by-products. This means chlorine is not introduced into the water in the first place, thus removing any need for it to be dechlorinated.
Key Characteristics of Poland Spring Water
- Source: Originate from protected, pristine underground spring sources.
- Chlorine Content: Naturally free of chlorine and chlorine by-products.
- Contaminants: Contains no harmful organisms.
- Treatment: While naturally pure, bottled spring water typically undergoes minimal processing such as filtration to remove sediment and ensure quality consistent with FDA regulations for bottled water.
Spring Water vs. Tap Water: A Chlorine Perspective
The presence or absence of chlorine is a key differentiator between many bottled spring waters and municipal tap water.
| Feature | Poland Spring Water | Typical Municipal Tap Water |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Protected underground springs | Rivers, lakes, reservoirs, groundwater |
| Chlorine Content | Naturally free of chlorine | Often disinfected with chlorine or chloramines |
| Treatment Focus | Maintaining natural purity; filtration | Disinfection, removal of pollutants |
| Primary Goal | Deliver naturally sourced, clean water | Provide safe, potable water to homes |
Why Chlorine is Used in Tap Water
Chlorine is a widely used disinfectant in municipal water treatment because it effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can cause waterborne diseases. This disinfection process is essential for public health, especially when water is sourced from surface bodies susceptible to various contaminants. However, chlorine can leave a distinct taste and odor, and its by-products (like trihalomethanes) are a concern for some consumers, leading to the desire for dechlorinated water.
For Poland Spring, because its sources are naturally protected and free of chlorine, no such treatment or subsequent dechlorination is necessary. The water maintains its natural purity from the spring to the bottle.
