Is this what water tastes like? Pure and flavorless, yet subtly sweet, the water is almost bubbly, but it lacks the acidic, salty taste of carbonated water. The taste is unlike that of water I’ve drunk my whole life, but it’s not completely unfamiliar. Vaguely, I remember Hawaiian water my uncle gave my family when I was about seven. I only tasted that one bottle, but for years afterward, I fondly remembered the sweetness of that water. As a child who never enjoyed drinking plain water, I appreciated the improved taste of the exotic liquid so much that I imagined the sweet flavor permeated the local water with which we refilled the bottle afterward.
These were my first impressions upon drinking Carlsbad’s mineral water for the first time. Located in north San Diego County, this city is home to historic artesian wells, which have been prized for their health benefits for 140 years. I’ve been curious to sample the water myself because of its historic significance, but I’ve become interested in its health properties recently. Since this water is easily accessible for Southern California residents, particularly those in San Diego and Orange Counties, its history, health claims, and availability are worth exploring.
History of the Water
In 1882, John Frazier, former sea captain and first postmaster of the city of Vista, discovered two aquifers containing mineral water when digging for a well on his farm in north San Diego County. Upon analysis, these artesian wells were discovered to contain therapeutic, healing mineral water similar to famous European spas. The water was most like the water from the famous health spa in Karlsbad, Bohemia (now Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic), so they named it Carlsbad Mineral Water. Mr. Frazier built a well tower on his property and sold the water to visitors at the railroad station. The town became a popular destination for those seeking the spa’s healthful properties, both externally and internally. In 1887, a train depot was built to bring in spa visitors from miles around. The town’s name was eventually changed from Frazier Station to Carlsbad. German merchant Gerhard Schutte and Midwesterner Samuel Church Smith formed the Carlsbad Land and Mineral Water Co., which bottled and shipped the water across the country.Also in 1887, Mr. Frazier, Mr. Schutte, and Mr. Smith built the 85-room California-Carlsbad Mineral Springs Hotel, where bathers stayed while enjoying the water’s healing properties. That hotel burned down in 1896, but a larger hotel was constructed in 1929, after Highway 101 was paved. This luxurious 130-room hotel was right across from the artesian wells on the Carlsbad State Beach, and it enjoyed patronage from Hollywood celebrities including Greta Garbo, the Barrymores, Leo Carrillo, and Victor McLaglen, as well as servicemen during World War II. Unfortunately, the hotel eventually closed, and the building became the Carlsbad by the Sea retirement home. Although the retirement home is still in existence, it was torn down and rebuilt in a similar style.
The ‘Most Healthful’ Water
Since 1882, Carlsbad locals and visitors have extolled the virtues of the mineral waters which spring from the artesian wells. Long called “the most healthful waters,” this alkaline water has been noted for curing many ailments for years. In May 1887, Golden Era Magazine published a catchy rhyme about the water’s health benefits:
“Are you ailing, are you failing, Have you ills you cannot tell? There is healing past revealing in the waters of the well. It is Carlsbad, bonny Carlsbad And upon its sparkling brink, Hygeia sits forever smiling,— And she bids you come and drink.”
Although the health claims made about Carlsbad’s water might seem like propaganda to draw visitors to the town, many people have sworn by its health properties. Over the years, drinkers have claimed relief or healing from rheumatism, arthritis, gout, high blood pressure, and stomach ailments, as well as skin conditions such as eczema and acne. They’ve also noted improved metabolism, energy, and general wellbeing.
Today, the water is one of the purest sources in Southern California. It has a natural alkaline pH of 8.76, with nothing is added to it. Without filters or additives, it is free of fluoride, chlorine, sodium, carbonation, chemicals, and heavy metals. The water is tested weekly by the FDA, and it exceeds the FDA’s bottled water standards.
‘Eden in a Glass’
Carlsbad’s alkaline water is available 24 hours a day at an outdoor vending machine dispenser at the well’s source, which is located at 2802 Carlsbad Blvd. For $1 per gallon, you can dispense the water into your own plastic or glass containers. Visit on any day, and you’ll see a long line of locals waiting to fill multiple 5-gallon water containers. Their website also mentions that the company sells water containers during regular business hours, but that wasn’t an option when I went there. The bottled water can also be bought in many stores, including Costco and grocery stores, mainly in Southern California and especially San Diego County. They also deliver the bottled water to businesses and individuals in North San Diego County.Alt Karlsbad is also home to the Carlsbad Spa, which the Grigorases designed with inspiration from ancient Roman and Egyptian spa architecture. Although the website still has details about their natural spa service they provide, complete with herbs, oils, and mineral water, the spa has unfortunately not reopened since its COVID-19 pandemic closure. If they reopen it, as they hope to, I look forward to going there.
With mounting evidence of tap water’s harmfulness and the cost of filtering water, Carlsbad’s water is an excellent source for naturally pure water, with the chance of added health benefits. I for one am looking forward to making it part of my daily routine.
