A single-origin natural mineral water from Tioga County, in the Appalachian highlands of Pennsylvania. What follows is the record — its measurable composition, how it compares to the waters it sits beside, the recognition it has received, and how it is served and paired.
Short answer
Cedar Mountain is an American natural mineral water — single-origin, glass-bottled at source, with 290 mg/L TDS, pH 8.0, and non-detect purity verified by NELAP-accredited labs. It is one of fewer than two dozen waters in the United States that genuinely qualify as natural mineral water under the FDA standard.
Last updated: July 10, 2026
Cedar Mountain rises through an Appalachian formation roughly 300 meters deep, mineralizing as it moves through bedrock that predates the Atlantic Ocean — approximately 480 million years old. It is shaped by geology, not processing, and is bottled exclusively at its geological origin, in glass. Learn more about the Appalachian aquifer dynamics that make this single-origin source unlike any other.
Why it matters for Cedar Mountain
Source integrity is Cedar Mountain's defining edge. While most bottled waters rely on municipal supplies or surface springs vulnerable to runoff, Cedar Mountain's 300-meter confined Devonian aquifer — sealed by impermeable shale since before the last ice age — delivers a mineral profile that has been stable for millennia and tests non-detect for PFAS, nitrates, lead, and mercury.
At approximately 290 mg/L total dissolved solids, Cedar Mountain exceeds the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's 250 mg/L threshold to be defined as a natural mineral water. For a full breakdown of what each mineral contributes to mouthfeel, taste, and culinary pairing, read our detailed mineral composition analysis.
The distinction is regulated, not marketing. Here is what separates true natural mineral water from generic spring water — and why it matters.
Verified by NELAP-accredited independent laboratory analysis (2025)
| Ion | Symbol | mg/L |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium | Ca²⁺ | 24.0 |
| Magnesium | Mg²⁺ | 10.00 |
| Sodium | Na⁺ | 61 |
| Bicarbonate | HCO₃⁻ | 183 |
| Silica | SiO₂ | 7.70 |
| Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) | 290 | |
pH 8.0 (naturally alkaline) | Hardness ~101 mg/L as CaCO₃ | Mg:Ca ratio ~1:2.4
Cedar Mountain is one of the few American waters that meets the U.S. FDA definition of natural mineral water (≥250 mg/L TDS) — a category otherwise dominated by imports. Here is how it compares on the two figures most often cited for mineral water: total dissolved solids (TDS) and pH.
| Water | Origin | Type | TDS (mg/L) | pH | Meets FDA ≥250 mg/L threshold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Mountain | Tioga County, Pennsylvania, USA | Still | 290 | 8.0 | Yes |
| Saratoga | Saratoga Springs, New York, USA | Still | ~40 | ~6.5 | No |
| Acqua Panna | Tuscany, Italy | Still | ~150 | 8.0 | No |
| Fiji | Viti Levu, Fiji | Still | ~210 | 7.7 | No |
| Mountain Valley | Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA | Still | 220 | 7.3 | No |
| Evian | French Alps, France | Still | 357 | 7.2 | Yes |
| San Pellegrino | Lombardy, Italy | Sparkling | ~1,109 | — | Yes |
| Gerolsteiner | Volcanic Eifel, Germany | Sparkling | ~2,527 | 5.9 | Yes |
At 290 mg/L, Cedar Mountain sits in the food-versatile medium range — mineralized enough to qualify as natural mineral water, without the intensity of high-TDS sparkling waters — with a naturally alkaline pH of 8.0 measured at the source. Figures for other brands are drawn from each producer's published analyses and third-party references; mineral content varies by source and batch.
Independent testing returns non-detect for PFAS, nitrates, lead, and mercury, verified through independent accredited laboratory analysis. Certificate of Analysis
At the 2026 Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting — the largest and longest-running water tasting in the world — Cedar Mountain was recognized in the People's Choice Package Design category, a public vote on bottle design, placing second for its 750ml frosted bottle and third for its 375ml clear bottle.
In the press:
Cedar Mountain's arrival in the American premium category was announced through BevNET, the beverage industry's leading trade publication.
Explore our heritage, our curated collection, the mineral composition that defines our water, the Appalachian aquifer that makes it possible, our guide to American natural mineral water — standards, sources & brands, our deep-dive into high-TDS mineral water chemistry, our water sommelier's glossary — a lexicon of water tasting, our definitive guide to extraction water for coffee & tea, our exploration of pre-industrial water — the true standard of purity, the rituals of service that guide its presentation, our hospitality program for restaurants & hotels, our guide to the importance of water in fine dining, our press room, the interactive water quiz, the sommelier assessment expert key, and the founder's vision behind our source stewardship.
Culinary Guide
An Expert Guide to Elevating Your Culinary Experience
Cedar Mountain sits in the medium-TDS range at approximately 290 mg/L, with a naturally alkaline pH of ~8. That combination — balanced minerality without heaviness, alkaline structure without sharpness — gives it uncommon range: it holds its own alongside delicate crudos and steamed vegetables, yet carries enough weight to complement richer dishes without fading. This guide works outward from that profile, showing how Cedar Mountain pairs across the spectrum of fine cuisine.
Begin by recognizing the key characteristics of your mineral water. Consider its Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), pH level, and whether it is still or sparkling. These elements dictate how the water will interact with food.
The fundamental principle of pairing is to match the intensity of the water with the intensity of the food. Delicate dishes call for delicate waters, while rich, complex dishes can stand up to more assertive waters.
Think about how the water's characteristics will interact with the food's flavors and textures.
Serving temperature significantly impacts the perception of water's taste and texture.
Use water as a palate cleanser between courses or sips of wine. Still water is excellent for resetting the taste buds, while sparkling water can invigorate the palate, preparing it for the next flavor experience.
750ml & 375ml
Ideal for delicate appetizers, seafood, poultry, and dishes where subtle flavors are paramount. Its balanced minerality and natural alkalinity make it a versatile companion.
Coming Soon
Perfect for cutting through the richness of red meats, enhancing spicy dishes, or complementing complex, flavorful cuisine. The fine effervescence will invigorate the palate.
By applying these principles, you can transform the simple act of drinking water into a sophisticated element of your culinary presentation, truly elevating every meal.
Questions & Answers
Continue Exploring
Trace the geological origin, review the certified mineral analysis, or explore the full Cedar Mountain collection.
