Mineral Water vs Purified Water: What Is the Difference?
- Mineral water = protected natural source
- Purified = treated (RO/UV/ozone)
- Both must meet KEBS standards
- Refill shops sell purified water
On this page
Mineral, Spring and Purified Water Compared
| Type | Source | Treatment | Typical buyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural mineral water | Protected underground source | Minimal, minerals kept | Premium bottled market |
| Spring water | Spring | Varies | Bottled market |
| Purified drinking water | Borehole or municipal | Filters, RO or UF, UV/ozone | Refill stations, affordable bottles |
Which Is Healthier?
Both are safe when they meet standards. Mineral water contains more minerals, but your diet supplies most of them. Purified water is cleaner of salts and contaminants. Choose on taste, price and trust.
Standards in Kenya
KEBS has separate standards for packaged drinking water and natural mineral water. Selling packaged water needs certification: KEBS certification guide and label requirements.
Selling Purified Water: Machines
HTECH WATER REFILLING STATION (MUNICIPAL WATER)KSh 450,000
H-TECH 125 LPH 3-in-1 Borehole RO Water Vending MachineKSh 330,000
250 LITERS WATER ATM MACHINEKSh 170,000
H-Tech 2-Channel Water Refilling Station | Digital Water Vending MachineKSh 110,000| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| HTECH WATER REFILLING STATION (MUNICIPAL WATER) | KSh 450,000 |
| H-TECH 125 LPH 3-in-1 Borehole RO Water Vending Machine | KSh 330,000 |
| 250 LITERS WATER ATM MACHINE | KSh 170,000 |
| H-Tech 2-Channel Water Refilling Station | Digital Water Vending Machine | KSh 110,000 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 7 October 2026).
Plan your business: start a water refilling business and water business ideas.
Watch: Starting a water refill business
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between mineral water and purified water?
Mineral water comes from a protected natural source with its minerals; purified water is treated from any safe source.
Is purified water as good as mineral water?
Both are safe when they meet standards; mineral water has more minerals, purified water fewer contaminants.
Can I call my RO water mineral water?
No. "Natural mineral water" is a specific category; label RO water as purified drinking water.
Which water do refill stations sell?
Purified drinking water, usually treated by RO or UF plus UV/ozone.
Do I need KEBS certification to sell water?
Packaged water needs certification; check KEBS requirements for your product.