Is Tap Water Superior to Bottled Water?

Bottled water consumption as been observed growing significantly over the last few years, because people typically consider it to be a far safer product compared to other forms of water. When compared to the rate of individual consumption in the US alone, though, it’s easy to see how we have landed in hot water in regard to plastic waste. The truth is, each person drinks somewhere around 30 gallons of bottled water on an annual basis – that’s a lot of plastic bottles. In our current climate crisis, we can’t afford to ignore the facts and scientific data surrounding disposable living. Let’s end this once and for all, is bottled water superior to tap water?

Tap water is commonly referred to as municipal water, and is derived from lakes, rivers, reservoirs, or even large wells. Typically, this water passes through a water treatment facility long before it’s piped into your home and place of business. Although some regions of the world struggle with drinking contaminated water sources, the tap water utilized throughout the United States is generally regarded as safe (not to mention environmentally friendly and convenient).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has rated the tap water of the United States to be one of the world’s safest drinking water supplies. This public tap water is also closely regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), who is responsible for identifying and setting legal limits for potential contaminants of drinking water. There are currently legal limits set on heavy metals, and microbes, on a list of over 90 dangerous contaminants. While facilities put forth their best efforts, contaminated drinking water still takes place. Even certain global regions, for example, have a greater risk of exposure to certain toxins, including bacteria from agricultural runoff, and industrial pollutants.

Contaminants can also be presented by old plumbing, while natural disasters such as heavy rains and flooding temporarily overwhelm and pollute surrounding public water systems. Recently, several public health organizations have criticized the EPA’s current limits, claiming the set limits aren’t stringent enough for particular toxins.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) announced that the water regulations of the US haven’t even been updated in 20 years! This has resulted in populations of vulnerable individuals, including pregnant women and the elderly, are being put into harm’s way due to negligence. It is true that the EPA currently requires a water utility company to provide quality reports on an annual basis, individuals are poised to view contamination reports via EWG's Tap Water Database.

Homeowners may take control of their own drinking water supply, by purchasing and utilizing water filters in order to improve the safety of their home’s tap water. While the EPA oversees public water sources, individuals are in charge of wells, springs, and more. If you are utilizing a well or natural water source, it is important to take advantage of testing on a regular basis.

Tap water generally tastes the same as bottled. This is because bottled water is often filled with tap water! In fact, mineral content, additives, piping and more all play a role in overall taste. Blind taste testing has revealed that the majority of people are incapable of tasting the difference between either type of water.

US standards in terms of bottled water are set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source. Manufacturers are required to to process and transport bottled water according to sanitary condition standards, processing it appropriately to ensure overall water safety. In generally, bottled water is safe to consume. However, in rare cases, bottled water contamination recalls commonly occur.

The presence of plastic in bottled water is another cause for concern, with research indicating that the majority of bottled water is found to contain microplastics. Inherently, microplastics pose various health risks that are especially risky to those of a compromised immune system. They should take special precautions in regard to their drinking water sources. If you must drinking bottled water, choose a bottled water manufacturer that has treated their source to protect against the parasite Cryptosporidium.

Did you realize that, according to some estimations, bottled water is nearly 2,000 times the price of tap water? Utilizing single-serve water bottles, bottled water costs about three times the national average for a single gallon of milk. What is perhaps the most bizarre fact, is that more often than not, bottled water is often filled with filtered tap water.

The need to bottle small proportions of drinking water into an individual serving causes the price to inflate to a ridiculous level. This is especially true when you weigh the cost of owning your own water filtration unit, verses the money spent on bottled water – not to mention the waste! By taking advantage of your own water faucet, you can create your own level of convenience, through the use of metal water bottles that can be utilized over and over again.

The transportation process, refrigeration, and bottling associated with commercially produced bottled water is a cause of a wide range of environmental effects. Compared to tap water, scientific research indicates that bottled water does more harm than good, not only in terms of the environment but our own bodies as well.

The Container Recycling Institute says, on average, citizens of the United States dispose of more than 60 million plastic water bottles on a daily basis. Rather than being properly recycled, these used water bottles end up in landfills, waterways, or even streets as litter. As they degrade, these plastic bottles begin to release toxins into the environment. The long-term implications of these toxins is evident in bacterial growth as elements are leached into the dirt.

In conclusion, it’s easy to see how tap water would be the superior choice over bottled water. Not only is the use of your own tap easier on your wallet, it is more accessible and convenient for your friends and family. A filtration pitcher or reverse osmosis unit makes it easier than ever to fill bottles with water at home. Regardless of your water filtration system choice, you can rest assured that you are providing your family with the safest drinking water possible.