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Article: Why Is Mineral Water So Expensive? Differences from Cheaper Water and 5 Reasons for the Price Difference

alkaline-water

Why Is Mineral Water So Expensive? Differences from Cheaper Water and 5 Reasons for the Price Difference

Woman drinking water with Onsensui99 bottle in the background

Why is mineral water expensive?

Actually, the price of water

  • Source
  • Value of natural water
  • Hardness and drinkability
  • Quality control
  • Shipping costs

are among the many reasons.

While you might feel "it's just water, why is it so expensive?", the price can actually vary depending on the "background of the water itself."

This time, we will

clearly explain the differences between expensive and cheap mineral water, and 5 reasons for the price difference.

clearly explain the differences between expensive and cheap mineral water, and 5 reasons for the price difference.

Comparing Expensive Mineral Water and Cheap Water

First, looking at a general comparison, there are the following differences:

Comparison Item Expensive Mineral Water General Water
Source Clear characteristics and brand value Wide range
Hardness Unique General
Quality control Strict control Depends on product
Value of natural water Water source management is important Depends on product
Shipping costs Can be high General

Of course, not all products are uniform, but

the price can be influenced by factors other than the water itself.

Aerial view of Sakurajima and Kagoshima Bay

Mineral Water Prices Vary by Source

Mineral water changes its characteristics depending on where it is sourced.

This is because the geological layers and natural environment affect factors such as:

  • Mineral balance
  • pH
  • Hardness
  • Palatability

That's why they differ.

Also,

  • Water source environment
  • Water extraction conditions
  • Brand value

can also affect the price.

Onsensui99 is natural alkaline mineral water sourced from the nature of Tarumizu, Kagoshima Prefecture.

Because it's water nurtured through natural geological layers, it has a soft mouthfeel.

Sunset over the sea in Kagoshima with reflections on the water

Water Palatability Changes with Hardness

The "hardness" of water changes its taste.

Generally,

  • Hard water → Strong mineral taste
  • Soft water → Smooth and easy to drink

is often said.

Onsensui99 is ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7.

This softness is

one of the reasons it is perceived as
"mellow" and "easy to drink."

one of the reasons it is perceived as
"mellow" and "easy to drink."

Also,

  • tea
  • coffee
  • rice
  • broth

It is also chosen as water that enhances the taste of ingredients.

Ease of drinking is also one of the values of water.


Pure water drop image representing Onsensui99

Natural Water is Priced Differently Because it's a Finite Resource

Unlike water artificially produced in factories, natural water

is nurtured over a long period within natural geological layers and environments.

Therefore,

natural groundwater is not an unlimited resource.

Water sources are related to:

  • Storage capacity
  • Natural circulation
  • Balance with extraction volume

are related.

In other words,

natural water is also a "finite natural resource."

Therefore,

  • Water source preservation
  • Water extraction management
  • Sustainable operation

becomes important.

Onsensui99 is also natural hot spring water nurtured in the nature of Tarumizu, Kagoshima Prefecture.

Because it is a blessing of nature,

it is necessary to cherish and utilize it.

Exterior view of Onsensui99 second factory in Kagoshima

Quality control and manufacturing processes also lead to price differences.

Water may seem like a simple product, but

in reality, there are many processes involved, such as:

  • Sourcing
  • Filling
  • Quality inspection
  • Hygiene management
  • Production management

including many steps.

Because it's something you drink every day,

safety and quality control are important points.

Onsensui99 is also manufactured with quality control in Japan.

Unseen quality control also contributes to the value of water.

Container ship docked at Kagoshima port

Shipping Costs Also Affect Mineral Water Prices

Water is a very heavy product.

Therefore,

  • Domestic shipping
  • International shipping
  • Storage
  • Delivery

also incur costs.

Especially when delivering Japanese natural water overseas,

  • Import procedures
  • Quality maintenance
  • Local storage

are also necessary.

In other words,

costs are incurred not only for the water itself, but also for "getting it to you."

Family lifestyle image with Onsensui99 bottled water

Expensive Mineral Water Differs in "What is Valued"

Of course, how people choose water is individual.

While some prioritize price,

  • drinkability
  • quality
  • source
  • compatibility with food
  • daily habit

Others value something different.

Expensive mineral water may include factors such as:

  • Commitment to water source
  • Uniqueness of natural water
  • Quality control
  • Drinkability

are sometimes included.

Onsensui99 is also chosen by those who say:

"Because it's water I drink every day, I want to be particular about its quality and drinkability."

"Because it's water I drink every day, I want to be particular about its quality and drinkability."

Summary

Why is mineral water expensive?

The reasons include:

  • Source
  • Hardness
  • Value of natural water
  • Quality control
  • Shipping costs

and various other factors.

Natural water, in particular,

is a finite water resource nurtured by nature.

That's why,

rather than just "cheap or expensive,"

what kind of water to choose

might also be an important perspective.

Because it's water you drink every day,

considering its quality and drinkability is one way to choose.


FAQ

Why is mineral water expensive?

Various factors such as sourcing location, value of natural water, hardness, quality control, and shipping costs influence the price.

What is the difference between expensive and cheap mineral water?

The differences can be found in the sourcing location, quality control, palatability, and water source management.

Is natural water an infinite resource?

Natural water is a finite water resource nurtured by nature's cycle, making water source conservation and extraction management important.

What is different about luxury mineral water?

There can be differences in the water source, quality control, uniqueness of the natural water, and the brand's philosophy.

What is ultra-soft water?

It is water with very low hardness, characterized by a soft and mellow taste.


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