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April 2010
Bottled vs. Tap: Which Water is Better?
Water is one of the body’s most essential nutrients. We are encouraged to drink between 8 -12 cups of water a day and many are choosing to get this beverage from bottles instead of the tap. In fact, over 8 billion bottles of water are being purchased per year. Many factors go into determining which water we choose. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of each of these choices.
Tap Water
Pros:
Safety—rigorously tested by EPA for bacteria, heavy metals, and chemical contaminants
Cons:
Flavor—chlorine used to disinfect water can leave an aftertaste
Bottled Water
Pros:
Convenience—easy to store for long periods
Portable—can be stored anywhere for on-the-go
Cons:
More Expensive—can be 240-10,000 times more expensive than tap water
Safety—not always regulated when sold only within the state
Keep the following in mind when deciding between bottled and tap water:
Source—Bottled and tap water come from essentially the same sources - lakes, springs, and aquifers. Just because a pristine glacier or lake is on the label doesn’t mean that is where the water source is. It has been estimated that at least 25% of bottled water is just tap water in a bottle –sometimes further treated but often not.
Filtration—While tap water uses chlorine to purify water, bottled water uses other methods of purification including filtration, reverse osmosis, ultraviolet light, or ozone resulting in a more pleasing flavor. However, a far more economical method of achieving good taste is to install a water filter on your tap.
Water Storage for Emergency Use
Bottled water is the safest choice when municipal water has been contaminated after a disaster. Remember to store a week’s worth of bottled water for everyone in your household (one gallon per person per day). Store bottles in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Label bottles with the date and replace every 6 months to ensure freshness.
Reusing Plastic Water Bottles
To reduce the amount of disposable bottle waste, many people are purchasing durable plastic bottles to reuse at home. If you reuse a bottle for several days, it is subject to bacterial contamination. Be sure to wash it with hot, soapy water between uses.
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