Not all bottled water brands are created equal, and apparently, the absolute worst one can be found in Maine.

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With that being said, it makes you wonder if paying for bottled water is truly fair, given that we need it to survive. There could be an ethical debate about that, but let's not delve into it today. Instead, let’s focus on how different brands can vary significantly in quality.

Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
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How does one even determine what makes a bottled water brand good, let alone the worst in America?

Mashed conducted a taste test of as many bottled water brands as they could find to see if claims of purity and spring water quality held up. They aimed to determine whether higher-priced premium brands were worth the cost, especially considering environmental concerns about single-use plastics.

By comparing the taste and overall experience, Mashed ranked the waters from worst to best. Their goal was to reveal which brands stand out and which ones fall short, challenging the idea that ‘water is just water.

Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
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So, what is America’s worst bottled water brand, which can be found in our Pine Tree State?

According to a report from Mashed, '21 Bottled Water Brands, Ranked Worst to Best,' Kirkland bottled water from Costco ranked dead last.

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That being said, we understand that Kirkland bottled water from Costco is a popular choice for budget-conscious families.

As explained in the Mashed article, it’s hard to resist a 40-pack for under $4, making it easy to keep the fridge stocked. It seems like a no-brainer. If you're looking for a lot of water at a low price, Costco always has plenty in stock.

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Mashed had the following to say about their selection:

But there's a reason Kirkland bottled water is so low-priced; it's also low-quality. You may not notice if your thirst is overwhelming and all you're looking for is something to squelch the parch. But in a more controlled setting, you might notice there's too much mineral flavor here, leaving an aftertaste that feels like you've spit out your bubble gum but your taste buds think you're still chewing.

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What are your thoughts on Kirkland bottled water from Costco being named the worst of the brands examined? Are the deals too good for you to feel differently about Kirkland bottled water? We'd love to hear from you! Feel free to join the conversation by messaging us on the app.

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