You’ve probably seen bottled artesian water at the store — maybe it had a sleek label and a price to match. But what exactly is it? The term “artesian” gets thrown around a lot, usually to make water sound fancier than it is. In truth, it refers to water that comes from deep underground — specifically from a pressurized aquifer. While often cleaner than surface water, it’s not necessarily magic. Still, there’s more to artesian water than meets the eye.
💡 Key Takeaways:
- Artesian water comes from a pressurized aquifer and can rise to the surface without being pumped.
- These aquifers are underground rock or sand layers saturated with water.
- Artesian water is often naturally filtered and may have fewer surface pollutants.
- The pressure helps move water upward, sometimes all the way to the surface.
- Some of the biggest artesian wells in the U.S. are found in Georgia and Florida.
🌍 Where Artesian Water Comes From
Artesian water comes from a special kind of underground reservoir called a confined aquifer. These aquifers are tucked between layers of rock or clay that trap the water under pressure. When a well is drilled into that layer, the pressure can push water upward on its own — no pump needed. That pressure is what gives artesian water its name.
The term goes back to medieval France, where monks in the town of Artois (formerly Artesium) built wells that flowed freely thanks to this underground force. Today, artesian aquifers are found all over the world, with two of the largest in the U.S. located in Georgia and Florida.
🕳️ Artesian Wells: What They Are and How They Work
Artesian wells tap into a pressurized underground water source known as a confined aquifer. This pressure is what can cause water to rise naturally — sometimes all the way to the surface.
But not all artesian wells behave the same. Here’s how they compare:
| Type | How It Works | Does It Need a Pump? |
|---|---|---|
| Artesian Well | Taps a pressurized aquifer. Water rises partway but not to the surface. | Yes |
| Flowing Artesian Well | Taps a high-pressure aquifer. Water flows up and out on its own. | No |
💡 Not all deep wells are artesian. If your private well pulls from an unconfined aquifer — even if it’s deep — it’s not considered artesian.
How Deep Are Artesian Wells?
Only Mother Nature decides how deep artesian wells can be — there’s no upper or lower limit. But practically speaking, most are hundreds of feet deep with wells in some areas exceeding 1000 feet or more. Australia has the largest known artesian aquifer in the world. Known as the Great Artesian Basin, it reaches depths of nearly 10,000 feet.
🧪 Is Artesian Water Safe to Drink?
In many cases, yes — artesian water is naturally filtered through layers of rock and soil, which can help remove some contaminants. But like any groundwater source, it’s not guaranteed to be clean straight from the well.
Water drawn from a drilled artesian well is generally safer than surface springs, which can pick up bacteria, debris, and other pollutants as they bubble up. Confined aquifers are often protected from surface contamination, but they’re not immune to issues.
For example, artesian water may still contain:
- Arsenic from natural rock formations
- Sulfur, which gives water that “rotten egg” smell
- Hardness minerals, like calcium and magnesium
So while artesian water can be cleaner than shallow wells or rivers, it’s still groundwater — and should be tested at least once a year.
🥤 Is Bottled Artesian Water Any Safer?
Bottled artesian water sounds fancy — and it often costs more — but is it actually safer than what comes from your tap?
In most cases, not really. Municipal water is highly regulated, treated for a wide range of contaminants, and tested regularly. Bottled artesian water, on the other hand, might not be subject to the same level of scrutiny.
That said, bottled artesian water does have a few perks:
- It’s usually filtered or treated before bottling.
- It may contain natural minerals that give it a clean, crisp taste.
- It often comes from protected aquifers, which helps limit exposure to surface contaminants.
But despite the sleek labels, many bottled waters — artesian or not — are simply filtered tap water. If you’re choosing it for health reasons, it’s smart to check the label and look for third-party testing.
💧 Are Artesian Wells Worth It?
If you’re planning to build in a rural area or off-grid property, drilling into a deep aquifer might seem like a smart choice. Artesian wells have some serious upsides — but they’re not without their challenges. Here’s how they stack up:
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| 💦 Reliable Water Supply Artesian wells tap deep underground sources that stay consistent, even during droughts or seasonal changes. |
💸 Higher Cost Drilling into confined aquifers typically requires specialized equipment, which increases upfront costs. |
| 🚿 Consistent Pressure Natural artesian pressure often delivers strong flow rates — ideal for households with higher water demands. |
🔧 Pump May Be Needed Unless you strike a flowing artesian source, you’ll likely still need a pump to bring water to the surface. |
| 🛡️ Naturally Filtered Source Confined aquifers are shielded from surface pollution, offering cleaner, mineral-rich water. |
🧪 Possible Contaminants Some artesian wells contain sulfur, iron, or even arsenic, so regular testing is essential. |
📝 Final Thought: If long-term water reliability is a top priority, an artesian well is worth considering. Just make sure you’re prepared for the cost, and always test the water before you drink.
🧪 Testing Artesian Water
Whether you’re drinking from an artesian well or buying bottled artesian water, testing is the only way to know what’s really in it.
Municipal water suppliers provide annual water quality reports, but if you’re on a private well, it’s up to you to monitor it.
The CDC recommends annual testing for:
- pH
- Nitrates
- Total dissolved solids (TDS)
- Coliform bacteria
These basic parameters give you a solid baseline for safety and performance.
Testing Options:
- Home Test Kits: Affordable and convenient. Test strips start at around $15 but are best for quick checks.
- Professional Lab Testing: More accurate and comprehensive. We recommend SimpleLab’s Tap Score for reliable results and actionable recommendations.
They offer testing packages for well water, city water, and even bottled water, so if you’re curious about what’s in your favorite brand, this is your chance to find out.
Pro tip: Artesian wells often contain harmless but annoying contaminants like sediment or sulfur — things that affect taste, odor, and plumbing. A proper water test helps you choose the right filtration system from the start.
💧 Filtering Artesian Water
Most artesian wells produce water that’s safe to drink — but “safe” doesn’t always mean ideal.
Even deep, confined aquifers can carry nuisance minerals like sulfur or pick up sediment as water travels upward. Keep in mind, natural minerals do give a better tasting sip, however, excessive minerals can ruin your plumbing.
Common Issues Found in Artesian Water:
- Sulfur: Often responsible for a rotten egg smell.
- Sediment: Can make water look cloudy and damage filters.
- Hardness (Calcium & Magnesium): Causes limescale buildup on plumbing and fixtures.
Popular Filtration Options:
| Filter Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Sediment Filter | Traps sand, silt, and rust particles |
| Carbon Filter | Reduces odor, chlorine, and sulfur compounds |
| Water Softener | Prevents limescale caused by hard water |
| Reverse Osmosis | Removes minerals, metals, and impurities for drinking water |
If you’re using artesian water for your whole home, a multi-stage filtration setup may offer the best balance — protecting your pipes while improving taste.
Final Thoughts
Artesian water is one of Mother Nature’s many gifts. So, have a drink and celebrate one of the most unique geological features on the planet we call home.
136 people found this helpful. Was this guide helpful to you? 
