UK’s PPM

Sep 17, 2025

By Chester Taylor

Why People in the UK Prefer Higher-PPM Water

By Chess • Updated: September 17, 2025 • Reading time: ~6 min

Pick up a bottle of Highland Spring or Buxton in the UK, and you’ll notice something different compared to many U.S. or Asian waters: the TDS (total dissolved solids, often called “ppm”) is much higher. Instead of the ultra-light 30–50 ppm of purified waters, UK favorites often sit between 170 and 350 ppm. But why do UK consumers actually prefer that?

1. Taste & Mouthfeel

Higher ppm water contains more minerals like calcium and magnesium, giving it a rounder, fuller taste. In the UK, people grow up drinking mineral-rich water, so “flat” water can feel too empty or bland.

2. Tradition & Geology

Much of the UK’s geology is limestone and granite, naturally enriching water with minerals. Bottled water brands lean into this, marketing their sources as pure and natural. Over time, this taste has become the cultural standard.

3. Health Associations

Higher ppm water provides calcium and magnesium, minerals often linked with bone and heart health. Many UK consumers see these natural electrolytes as an added benefit compared to “empty” purified water.

4. Tea & Coffee Culture

The UK’s love of tea plays a role. Water with some hardness actually brews a richer, more balanced cup of tea. Baristas also target ~150 ppm for coffee, so naturally mineral-rich waters are ideal.

5. Perceived Luxury

Brands like Evian and Perrier position high-mineral water as premium. For many, mineral content isn’t just about taste—it’s about authenticity, wellness, and even status.

UK vs. US/Asia: Different Water Cultures

UK/Europe: High ppm feels natural, authentic, and healthy.
US/Japan: Low ppm feels cleaner, lighter, and more refreshing.

Neither is “better”—it comes down to culture, tradition, and what your taste buds expect.

Takeaway

Water isn’t just water. In the UK, the preference for higher-ppm water comes from a mix of taste, tradition, health, and culture. It’s a reminder that even something as simple as H₂O carries deep local identity and meaning.