The FDA defines spring water as “water derived from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface of the earth.” The FDA sets stringent national standards for what qualifies as “spring water” – standards that Poland Spring® consistently meets or exceeds. Those requirements are: Spring water shall be collected only at the spring or through a borehole that taps into the underground formation feeding the spring. There must be a natural force causing the water to flow to the surface through a natural orifice. The location of the spring shall be identified.