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Tap Water vs Bottled Water Cost and Safety Concerns

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Tap water might be better than bottled water

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Packaged water is typically marketed as being cleaner and safer to drink than tap water. However, just because it comes tightly enclosed in a bottle instead of flowing out of a decades-old faucet doesn't make any better for you. Numerous studies have found that some of the fancy bottled stuff (which often boasts that it comes from far away glaciers and streams) may actually contain harmful substances that have the potential to make you sick.

This is in part because of the different regulatory systems that are in place. While municipal water systems must notify their customers of test results showing contamination that could pose an immediate health risk, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, companies that bottle water don't operate with the same safeguards in place.

In fact, the bottled water industry is largely self-policing. While the FDA requires bottled water to be free of E. coli and sets limits for numerous other contaminants, the agency generally doesn't test the water itself. Instead, it relies on bottlers to periodically conduct their own tests and to keep those records on hand for FDA inspectors when they visit. In other words, if there's E. coli in your tap water, you'll be notified in a timely fashion, but you may be completely unaware if the same bacteria is present in your bottled water.

"Bottled water is marketed as though it's cleaner than tap, but numerous studies show it's definitely not cleaner," explained Sherri Mason, the author of an extensive 2018 study on bottled water and a sustainability researcher at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. "Based on all the data we have, you're going to be drinking significantly less plastic from tap water out of a glass than if you go and buy bottled water."

That's why you must know about the five secret dangers of bottled water. And for more mistakes you're making when hydrating there are always these 16 Ways You're Drinking Water Wrong.

Consumer Reports conducted a recent test of 45 bottled water brands. The results showed that Starkey Spring Water, which has been sold at Whole Foods for five years, had concerning levels of arsenic-a toxic metal.

More specifically, Starkey Spring Water had three times the amount of arsenic than any other brand tested. While the arsenic levels still fell just beneath the maximum limit of 10 parts per billion (ppb), CR believes that level is too high, The Guardian reports. Additionally, this isn't the first time Starkey has been called out for having arsenic levels that are alarmingly high. In fact, in 2019, one of the brand's samples clocked in at 10.1 ppb, exceeding the federal limit.

Though drinking one bottle of Starkey is unlikely to harm you, James Dickerson, PhD, CR's chief scientific officer, noted that "regular consumption of even small amounts of the heavy metal over extended periods increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and lower IQ scores in children, and poses other health issues as well." If you want to decrease your risk of heart disease, maybe skip out on the bottled water along with these 50 Foods That Can Cause Heart Disease.

A 2018 study analyzed 259 bottled waters from around the world and found that a whopping 93 percent of them contained "microplastic" synthetic polymer particles. To make matters worse, Mason, who authored the study, said some of the plastic particles weren't all that small, with some "definitely" visible without a magnifying glass or microscope.

Of the 11 popular brands tested in the study, researchers found that the average plastic concentration was 325 microplastic particles per liter of bottled water. The study's worst offender, Nestlé Pure Life, had one sample that contained more than 10,000 microplastic particles per liter.

Though Mason noted there isn't enough data yet to determine how this plastic exposure affects human health, others have said plastic exposure (even though drinking water) can be hazardous to people. "In animal models and in epidemiological studies in humans, we have a correlation between plastic exposures and known health hazards," Frederick vom Saal, a distinguished professor emeritus of biological sciences at the University of Missouri, told in May 2019.

Additionally, data from the Center for International Environmental Law found that plastic poses distinct risks to human health at every stage of its life cycle. Microplastics, like those found in bottled water, are linked to negative health outcomes ranging from cardiovascular disease to cancer and autoimmune conditions.

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Certain foods being contaminated with E. coli is (unfortunately) nothing new; however, it's news that the potentially deadly bacteria may be lurking in bottled water. A May 2018 government report on West Virginia-based Sweet Springs Valley Water Company showed that several months earlier the brand had bottled and distributed water from a source contaminated with the harmful substance.

To make matters worse, Sweet Springs didn't stop its water production after the bacteria was detected, nor did it conduct any follow-up tests to determine if subsequent water bottles were E.coli-free.

In June 2015, 14 brands of bottled water were voluntarily recalled following a potential E.coli contamination after a water bottling company that supplied the brands discovered that one of its spring water sources tested positive for the bacteria. The brands that were impacted included 7-Eleven, Niagara, ShopRite, and more. If you want to make sure you don't have to experience the 7 Side Effects of Not Drinking Enough Water, perhaps you should opt for tap.

Though mold in bottled water isn't as easy to spot as moldy bread or cheese, it can occur. In December 2017, for example, the FDA released a consumer alert regarding Comforts FOR BABY's Purified Water with Fluoride Added noting that the bottled water brand was recalled due to mold. Kroger supermarket chain apparently tested the water itself after receiving numerous complaints from customers and found that it contained Talaromyces penicillium, a mold that can cause allergic reactions and feverish symptoms if inhaled or touched.

What's more? An October 2006 case study about fungi in bottled water found various types of mold to be prevalent in some water bottling plants. The fungus was especially prolific during the warmer months, particularly May and June. During those months there were also more fungi present in the water itself, indicating that for the duration of those times of the year when fungal contamination is high, the necessary filters should be changed on a more regular basis in order to prevent mold from getting into the water supply.

An October 2018 study published in the journal Water Research found that phthalates, which are substances added to plastics that can be associated with an increased risk of cancer, are often present in bottled water. More specifically, the data analyzed five representative phthalates in bottled water across 21 countries and found that while the measured concentrations were not a serious concern for public health, significant estrogenic effects were possible.

Many trihalomethanes, such as chloroform and bromoform, are also considered carcinogenic, yet they are often used as solvents or refrigerants. According to a 2008 report from the Environmental Working Group, various trihalomethanes were detected in four brands of bottled water, including Sam's Choice and Acadia, at two to three times greater levels than the bottled water industry's voluntary standard of 10 ppb.

Bromate, a suspected human carcinogen is also occasionally found in bottled water. According to Consumer Reports, an FDA inspector issued a citation to a Colorado bottler, Deep Rock Water Company, in 2011 after a review of test results showed the company had produced water with 20 parts per billion of bromate, which is twice the legal limit. Surprisingly, the agency did not collect any samples to test and confirm that the contamination was eventually corrected, and no recall was issued. Unfortunately, contamination isn't limited to bottled water. Read more about it in The Scary Hidden Ingredient In Protein Powder You Need to Know About.

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5 Secret Dangers of Drinking Bottled Water | Eat This Not That

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Packaged water is typically marketed as being cleaner and safer to drink than tap water. However, just because it comes tightly enclosed in a bottle instead of flowing out of a decades-old faucet doesn't make any better for you.

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If you needed another reason to ditch bottled water and turn on the tap, a new study shows that it's 3,500 times more harmful for the environment than tap water. This number comes from assessing everything from extracting the raw materials (to make the bottles) to manufacturing, distribution, transport, usage, and disposal. The Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) focused on bottled water usage in Barcelona, Spain, and gives one more reason to stop relying on bottled water.

In the study published in Science Direct, researchers showed that just making the bottle requires three times the amount as the bottle actually holds. By studying Barcelona, where 60% of the population drinks bottled water, they were able to uncover some incredible information. In fact, they discovered that if the entire population switched to drinking bottled water, the production that would be necessary would kill 1.43 species a year and it would cost about $83.9 million to extract the raw materials. Additionally, there would be 1,400 times more impact to ecosystems and 3,500 times higher cost of resource extraction.

Unfortunately, the popularity of bottled water has continued to rise around the globe. In 2020, Americans purchased 15 billion gallons of bottled water and it has become one of the country's most popular beverages, as soda sales continue to plummet. It's a trend that is global, as there is a general mistrust of local water quality and increased marketing to push sales. However, there is also a cost. According to one source, the amount of oil needed to produce all the plastic water bottles that Americans use is enough to power 100,000 homes.

Mistrust is part of the issue that researchers found in Barcelona. While there have been substantial improvements in the city's water quality over the past few years, tap water usage has not increased. "[This] suggests that water consumption could be motivated by subjective factors other than quality," said ISGlobal researcher Cristina Villanueva.

And while people may feel safer drinking bottled water, that comfort may be an illusion. In 2017, Villanueva stated that "tap water has to meet strict standards, which means we can drink it with some confidence. The standards for bottled water, on the other hand, are much more lax. Producers of bottled water are not obliged to monitor anywhere near the same number of chemical compounds as are monitored in tap water."

So, what to do? First, ditch the plastic and purchase a reusable glass bottle. Second, look into the water quality of your local community, and, if you have any doubts or would like to be extra safe, install a filtering system for further assurance. That way, you can sip away being secure in knowing that you are doing what's best for your health and for the environment.

h/t: [ Euronews]

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Study Shows That Bottled Water Is 3,500 Times More Harmful to the Environment Than Tap Water

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If you needed another reason to ditch bottled water and turn on the tap, a new study shows that it's 3,500 times more harmful for the environment than tap water. This number comes from assessing everything from extracting the raw materials (to make the bottles) to manufacturing, distribution, transport, usage, and disposal.

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Flint Water Crisis: Everything You Need to Know

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After officials repeatedly dismissed claims that Flint’s water was making people sick, residents took action. Here’s how the lead contamination crisis unfolded—and what we can learn from it.

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Over the past few years, bottled water consumption has grown significantly because it's considered safer and better tasting than tap water.

In fact, in the United States, each person drinks approximately 30 gallons (114 liters) of bottled water per year ().

However, due to environmental concerns and potential health effects, many people are starting to wonder whether tap water is better.

This article compares tap and bottled water to help you decide which to drink.

Tap water, also called municipal water, comes from large wells, lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. This water typically passes through a water treatment plant before being piped into homes and businesses ( 2).

While contaminated drinking water is an issue in some regions, tap water is generally safe, convenient, and environmentally friendly.

Safety may vary based on your location

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United States has one of the world's safest drinking water supplies ().

U.S. public tap water is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is responsible for identifying and setting legal limits for potential contaminants in drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) ( 4, 5).

Currently, the EPA has set legal limits on over 90 contaminants, including heavy metals like lead and microbes like E. coli ( 6).

Nonetheless, drinking water contamination can still occur. For example, certain regions may have greater exposure to toxins, such as industrial pollutants or bacteria from agricultural runoff ().

Additionally, old plumbing may introduce contaminants like lead, and natural disasters like floods can temporarily pollute public water systems ().

Many public health organizations also claim that the EPA's current limits on certain toxins aren't stringent enough.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), U.S. water regulations haven't been updated in almost 20 years. As a result, certain toxins may be harming vulnerable populations, such as children and pregnant women ( 8).

While the EPA requires water utilities to provide annual quality reports, the EWG's Tap Water Database also allows individuals to view contamination reports for their local water supply.

Furthermore, home water filters may improve the safety of your tap water ().

Keep in mind that the EPA only oversees public water sources. If you get your water from a private well, you're responsible for getting it tested for safety.

Tastes just as good as bottled water

Bottled water is often said to taste better than tap water.

Yet, in blind taste tests, most people can't tell the difference between tap and bottled water (, ).

In general, tap water tastes the same as bottled water. Still, factors like mineral content or the type and age of your water pipes may affect the flavor.

Environmental impact is much lower than bottled

Before it reaches your house, water is stored in a treatment facility in which it undergoes several processes to remove potential contaminants. During disinfection, chemicals may be added to kill off any remaining microbes and protect against germs ().

Then, after you drink water from a glass, you'll likely wash the glass either by hand or in a dishwasher.

All of these steps utilize chemicals and energy, thereby resulting in an environmental impact. Still, the overall environmental effects of tap water are significantly less than bottled ( 11).

Furthermore, tap water doesn't require plastic or other disposable containers that may end up in landfills.

Inexpensive and convenient

Tap water's biggest benefits are perhaps its low cost and convenience.

It's simple to fill up a reusable bottle with tap water before heading out the door. Tap water is also available at restaurants, bars, and public drinking fountains - and is almost always free.

summary
While quality may vary by region, tap water is generally safe, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly.

Bottled water comes from a variety of sources.

Some products simply comprise tap water that's been bottled while others use fresh spring water or another source.

Bottled water from underground sources generally features a label that's been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), such as ( 12):

While some people believe bottled water to be safer, better tasting, and more convenient than tap water, several concerns surround its safety and environmental impact.

May contain microplastics

Unlike tap water, which is regulated by the EPA, bottled water is overseen by the FDA. The FDA's safety and quality requirements for manufacturers include ():

the use of sanitary conditions for processing, bottling, storage, and transport

protecting water from contaminants, such as bacteria and chemicals

implementing quality control to further protect against chemical and microbial contaminants

sampling and testing both the source water and the final product for contaminants

While bottled water is occasionally recalled due to contaminants, it's generally considered safe.

However, some products may harbor very small pieces of plastic called microplastics ().

Animal studies and other research suggests that microplastics act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, promote inflammation, result in negative health effects, and accumulate over time in organs like the liver, kidneys, and intestines (, , , 17).

A 2018 study tested 11 widely available bottled water products from 9 countries, concluding that 93% of the 259 bottles sampled contained microplastics. This contamination was due in part to packaging and the bottling process itself ().

Differences in taste

Most people can't distinguish bottled water from tap water in blind taste tests (, ).

Still, the taste of bottled water varies greatly depending on the water source and packaging. For example, mineral water has a distinct flavor depending on the types and levels of minerals present.

Some people also prefer carbonated or flavored waters due to their unique taste.

Less environmentally friendly than tap water

One of the main drawbacks of bottled water is its environmental impact.

From treating and bottling to transportation and refrigeration, bottled water requires large amounts of energy.

In fact, bottled water production in the United States used 4 billion pounds (1.8 billion kg) of plastic in 2016 alone. The energy input required to produce that amount is equal to 64 million barrels of oil ( 19).

Furthermore, it's estimated that only 20% of plastic water bottles in the United States get recycled. Most end up in landfills or bodies of water ().

This is particularly problematic, as plastic bottles have been shown to release toxins as they degrade (, , ).

To minimize the ecological footprint of bottled water, some municipalities around the world have banned the sale of single-use plastic water bottles.

Additionally, some companies have researched making bottles with biodegradable materials, which may have fewer environmental effects ().

Expensive but convenient

Studies reveal that one of the main reasons consumers choose bottled water is that it's convenient ().

Whether you're traveling or out and about, bottled water is available at many stores.

However, that convenience comes with a hefty price tag.

One gallon (3.8 liters) of tap water costs roughly $0.005 in the United States, while the same amount of bottled water, obtained from combining single-serving water bottles, costs around $9.47 ( 18).

This not only means that bottled water is pricier than milk and gasoline but also nearly 2,000 times more expensive than tap water ( 18).

Still, some individuals may find the cost is worth the convenience.

summary
Bottled water is convenient and generally safe, but it's more expensive and less environmentally friendly than tap water. What's more, the microplastics in some products may pose health risks.

Overall, both tap and bottled water are considered good ways to hydrate.

However, tap water is generally a better option, as it's just as safe as bottled water but costs considerably less and has a much lower environmental impact.

Plus, with a reusable water bottle, tap water can be just as convenient as bottled. You can even add fresh fruit to create your own infused, flavored water.

If safety or water quality is your main concern, consider purchasing a filtration system or filter pitcher instead of regularly buying bottled water.

All the same, there may be times when bottled water is better, especially if your drinking water supply is contaminated.

Additionally, certain populations, such as those with compromised immune systems, may need to purchase certain kinds of bottled water or to boil tap water before drinking it ().

summary
As it's less expensive and has a lower environmental impact, tap water is generally better than bottled. Nonetheless, certain circumstances may make bottled water a necessity.

Although both tap and bottled water have pros and cons, tap water is generally the better option. It's less expensive, more environmentally friendly, and less likely to contain microplastics.

Furthermore, most people can't taste a difference between the two.

You can use a home filter to increase water quality, or boost its flavor with slices of watermelon or cucumber.

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Tap Water vs. Bottled Water: Which Is Better?

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While bottled water is convenient and popular, tap water is inexpensive and plastic-free. This article tells you whether tap or bottled water is better - for both your health and the environment.

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Drinking water - tap, filtered, or bottled - is important for healthy hydration and plays a vital role in people's lives. Consumers choose bottled water for several reasons, including taste, quality, and convenience.

Bottled water is also an alternative to less-healthy sugary packaged beverages when consumers want to eliminate or moderate calories, caffeine, sugar, artificial flavors or colors, alcohol, and other ingredients from their diets.

Support for public water systems

The bottled water industry supports a strong U.S. public water system (although critics of bottled water would have you believe otherwise). Public water systems are important because they provide citizens with clean and safe drinking water. In fact, many bottled water companies use public water sources for their products - but those products are not just "tap water in a bottle." Once the source water enters the bottled water plant, several processes are employed to ensure that it meets the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) purified water standard. These treatments can include utilizing a multi-barrier approach. Measures in a multi-barrier approach may include one or more of the following: reverse osmosis, distillation, micro-filtration, carbon filtration, ozonation, and ultraviolet (UV) light. The finished water product is then placed in a sealed bottle under sanitary conditions and sold to the consumer.

Sometimes, water from public water systems can be compromised after emergency situations or natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, floods, tornados, fires, or boil alerts). During those times, bottled water is a necessary and reliable alternative to deliver clean, safe drinking water. However, tap water does provide, in most cases, a safe source of drinking water, even if occasional system failures make it necessary for consumers to search for alternatives during these times.

Differences in the regulation of tap water and bottled water, though minimal, highlight the differences between drinking water delivered by a public water system and drinking water delivered to the consumer in a sealed container.

Public water systems (tap water) provide quality water for human consumption and other uses (e.g., washing clothes, bathing, and industrial and commercial uses) through a piped distribution system to specific communities. Public water systems are granted exclusive rights to provide water to consumers in a particular geographic or municipal area. Consumers do not, therefore, have a choice of which public water system will provide water to their homes or businesses. The U.S. public water systems are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Bottled water is a packaged food product, regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), that is sold in individual, sanitary, sealed containers. It is intended solely for human consumption. Consumers have a variety of bottled water choices available to satisfy their particular tastes and price preferences. It is sold in many different package sizes, including 3- and 5-gallon containers used with bottled water coolers, 2.5-gallon refrigerator-size containers, and "on-the go" half-liter, 1 liter, and 1.5 liter convenience-size packages. Consumers choose bottled water for several reasons: taste, quality, and convenience.

Want some fact-based information about how public water systems and bottled water are regulated? The Drinking Water Research Foundation (DWRF) report "Bottled Water and Tap Water: Just the Facts" provides a detailed side-by-side comparison of quality and monitoring regulations for tap water and bottled water.

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Drinking water - tap, filtered, or bottled - is important for healthy hydration and plays a vital role in people's lives. Consumers choose bottled water for several reasons, including taste, quality, and convenience. Bottled water is also an alternative to less-healthy sugary packaged beverages when consumers want to eliminate or moderate calories, caffeine, sugar, artificial flavors or colors, alcohol, and other ingredients from their diets.

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With awareness of the environmental impact of plastic bottles increasing, people may wonder if bottled or tap water is better. There are various factors to consider, such as safety, taste, and cost.

Some people may wonder which option is safer, or which tastes better. However, there are also a range of other factors to consider when choosing between bottled water and tap water.

Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of both bottled water and tap water.

Factors to consider when choosing between tap water and bottled water include the safety of the water, its flavor, the cost and availability, and its impact on the environment.

The sections below list some pros and cons of tap water.

Safety

Drinking water in the United States is some of the safest in the world, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In fact, nonprofit organization Food & Water Watch advise that tap water in the U.S. is subject to testing more often than bottled water.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are responsible for identifying and setting limits for the amount of contaminants that can be present in tap water and ground water. These include chemicals and microorganisms.

The standards are set out in the Safe Drinking Water Act. If there is a safety concern with tap water, federal law dictates that water companies must inform the public.

Although the EPA are responsible for setting tap water standards, not all contaminants are subject to regulation, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG). The EWG also report that contaminant level limits have remained unchanged for over 20 years.

To check the quality of their tap water, people can contact their local water company for a copy of the Annual Water Quality Report (or Consumer Confidence Report), check it against the EWG's standards, or both.

To improve the safety of their current tap water, a person can consider filtering it with carbon filters or a more effective reverse-osmosis system.

Taste

Blind taste tests consistently find that most people cannot differentiate between tap water and bottled water.

For example, a in the Journal of Sensory Studies found that the majority of the participants could not tell the difference between six different bottled mineral waters and six municipal tap waters when the tap water was chlorine-free.

Most people preferred types of water with medium mineralization, regardless of the source. Just 36% of the participants were able to distinguish between bottled water and tap water.

Even if some tap waters may not taste as pleasant as bottled waters, it does not mean that the tap water is of poor quality. It may simply be due to chlorination or a higher mineral content.

One option to improve the taste of tap water is to use a filter. Another option is to add ice and a slice of lemon to each glass.

Cost and convenience

Drinking tap water is convenient and inexpensive. Simply turn on a faucet to get safe and cool drinking water.

Tap water is also readily available at restaurants and from public drinking fountains for free.

Environmental impact

To prevent contamination, water companies treat public drinking water with chemicals using a range of processes. They then pump the water into holding tanks.

Also, once a person drinks a glass of water, they are likely to wash the glass by hand or in a dishwasher.

These steps will all involve the use of chemicals and energy, which has an impact on the environment.

Even so, the environmental impact of drinking tap water is far lower than that of bottled water, according to a report on the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority's website.

Perhaps most importantly, there is no disposable packaging involved that would eventually end up in either a landfill or recycling center.
Read about 15 benefits of drinking water here.
The sections below list some of the pros and cons of bottled water.

Safety

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) set the standards for bottled water. They require manufacturers to process and transport bottled water under sanitary conditions and to use processes that ensure the safety of the water.

This means that, in general, bottled water is safe to drink. In very rare cases, however, bottled water recalls occur due to contamination.

One cause for concern is the presence of plastic in bottled water. Research indicates that most bottled water contains microplastics, which may pose health risks.

One , for example, tested 11 globally sourced brands of bottled water from nine different countries. The researchers found that 93% of the bottles showed some signs of microplastic contamination, and that they contained double the amount present in tap water.

These findings suggest that the contamination is at least partially due to the packaging process itself. Researchers are now starting to investigate the impact of these microplastics on human health.

Microplastics appear to fall within the same category of endocrine-disrupting chemicals as , affecting human, animal, and marine metabolism, reproduction, oxidative stress, and several other factors.

Also, people with weakened immune systems should take special precautions with their drinking water, choosing bottled water that manufacturers have treated to protect against the parasite Cryptosporidium.

Though FDA inspection of bottled water plants is rare, the FDA have recalled two bottled water brands due to contamination. These were Safeway Select in 2001 and Sam's Choice in 2005.

Consumer access to bottled water information and contaminant levels is limited compared with the tap water disclosure requirements required by the EPA.

Taste and source

Some people may prefer the taste of bottled water. However, as mentioned above, studies tend to show that the majority of people cannot tell the difference between tap and bottled water.

When purchasing bottled water, people may wish to consider the source. A lot of bottled water is simply filtered tap water.

Water that comes from an underground source or fresh spring will carry one of the following FDA-approved labels:

People may also wish to choose bottled water if they prefer flavored or sparkling water. Many water brands sell citrus- or berry-flavored water, for example. Sparkling water is a popular alternative to still.

Cost and convenience

According to some estimates, bottled water is almost 2,000 times the price of tap water, with a gallon - obtained from combining single-serve water bottles - costing almost three times the national average for a gallon of milk.

This is interesting, given that bottled water is often simply filtered tap water.

One reason that people choose bottled over tap water despite the cost difference may be that it can be more convenient to have a bottle to hand when out and about - especially if there is no access to a faucet.

Environmental impact

Research indicates that the bottling, refrigeration, and transportation processes associated with water, as well as the disposal of plastic bottles after use, cause a wide range of adverse environmental effects far greater than those of tap water.

For example, in 2016, the bottling of water in the U.S. used 4 billion pounds of plastic. This process required an estimated energy input equal to approximately 64 million barrels of oil.

According to nonprofit organization Container Recycling Institute, every day in the U.S., people throw away over 60 million plastic water bottles. The majority of these bottles make their way into landfills and waterways, or they litter the streets.

These plastic bottles also release toxins as they degrade.

Some people try to reuse plastic water bottles in a bid to offset some of the environmental impacts. This may pose risks in the long-term, however, including the risk of bacterial growth and the risk of toxins leaching from the bottle.

Overall, it appears that tap water is a better option in most cases. It is convenient, free or inexpensive, and has much less of an environmental impact than bottled water.

Tap water is also just as safe as bottled water, and most people will not be able to tell the difference in taste.

Occasionally, bottled water may be more convenient or readily available than tap water. To remedy this, people can carry a reusable bottle of tap water with them and refill it from public drinking water facilities when necessary.

Those who prefer the taste of bottled water may wish to try a water filter. After all, a lot of bottled water is actually just filtered tap water. Or, people can try adding ice and slices of fruit to their tap water to improve its flavor.

Some people need to take extra precautions with their drinking water, especially if they have weaker immune systems, are pregnant, or are older.

These individuals should discuss their concerns with a doctor, who may advise them to drink certain bottled waters, or to boil their tap water before consumption.

There are pros and cons to both bottled water and tap water.

The type of water a person chooses will depend on many factors, including their preferences and concerns.

Overall, however, it seems that tap water consumption is much better for the environment, poses fewer health risks, and tastes very similar to bottled water - especially if filtered.

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Bottled water vs. tap water: Pros and cons

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Is bottled water safer than tap water? Which option tastes better, and are there any other factors to consider when choosing between them? Learn more about bottled water vs. tap water here.

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Environmental Impact of Plastic Water Bottles

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May 6, 2005 &#151; -- It started with Perrier. Somehow, a French company convinced people it's cool to buy bottled water. Today, Evian has surpassed Perrier in sales and now it's the chic French water of choice. Why? It costs about 5 bucks a gallon! Why do people pay so much for something they can get virtually free?

If they're not buying Evian, they buy Aquafina and Dasani and the dozens of new brands that are jumping into this billion-dollar business, including bizarre ones like Venus, the Water for Women, and Trump Ice, with "The Donald" scowling on the label. I'd have to be very thirsty to buy that.

Many people say they buy bottled waters because they taste better. We spoke with people in New York City, asking them why they liked bottled better than tap water.

"I drink Dasani. It tastes good, it tastes crisp, like -- natural," one girl said.

"I think tap water kind of tastes like sewer," said another.

People also say they drink bottled water because they believe it's safer than tap water.

One man told me he's the only one "who's brave enough" to drink tap water at home. His family's afraid to drink tap water because of germs, he said.

At recent Earth Day celebrations, a lot of people told us they believe tap water is unhealthy. "As a parent I feel more comfortable giving her bottled water," one father told us.

Bottled water, we were told, is cleaner, safer, healthier.

Watching bottled water ads, you'd think that tap water might not be healthy. But it's not true.

"20/20" took five bottles of national brands of bottled water and a sample of tap water from a drinking fountain in the middle of New York City and sent them to microbiologist Aaron Margolin of the University of New Hampshire to test for bacteria that can make you sick, like e. coli.

"There was actually no difference between the New York City tap water and the bottled waters that we evaluated," he said.

Many scientists have run tests like that and have consistently found that tap water is as good for you as bottled waters that cost 500 times more.

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May 6, 2005 — -- It started with Perrier. Somehow, a French company convinced people it's cool to buy bottled water. Today, Evian has surpassed Perrier in sales and now it's the chic French water of choice. Why? It costs about 5 bucks a gallon!

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MYTH #1:

BOTTLED WATER IS BETTER THAN TAP.

Not necessarily. While labels gush about bottled water that "begins as snowflakes" or flows from "deep inside lush green volcanoes," between 25 and 40 percent of bottled water comes from a less exotic source: U.S. municipal water supplies. ( Bottling companies buy the water and filter it, and some add minerals.) That's not really a bad thing: The Environmental Protection Agency oversees municipal water quality, while the Food and Drug Administration monitors bottled water; in some cases, EPA codes are more stringent.

MYTH #2:

PURIFIED WATER TASTES BETTER.

The "purest" water - distilled water with all minerals and salts removed - tastes flat; it's the sodium, calcium, magnesium, and chlorides that give water its flavor. The "off" taste of tap water is the chlorine; if you refrigerate it in a container with a loose-fitting lid, the chlorine taste will be gone overnight.

MYTH #3:

BOTTLED WATER WITH VITAMINS, MINERALS, OR PROTEIN IS MORE HEALTHY THAN REGULAR WATER.

" Vitamins, color, herbs, protein, and all the other additions to water - those are a marketing ploy," says Marion Nestle, Ph.D., professor of nutrition studies at New York University. Plus, the additives are usually a scant serving of the vitamins you really need in a day, adds Amy Subar, Ph.D., a nutritionist with the National Cancer Institute. Enhanced waters usually contain sugars and artificial flavorings to sweeten the deal and can pack more calories than diet soda. When it comes to providing fluoride, tap water usually wins, though that element is increasingly being added to bottled waters.

MYTH #4:

YOU NEED EIGHT 8-OUNCE GLASSES OF WATER EACH DAY.

The Institute of Medicine recommends about 91 ounces (a little more than 11 8-ounce glasses) of fluid daily for women. But here's the thing: It expects 80 percent of that to come from water, juice, coffee, tea, or other beverages and the remaining 20 percent from food. That means if you drink a 12-ounce cup of coffee and a 12-ounce can of diet soda, you only need 48 more ounces (three 16-ounce glasses, or four soda cans' worth) for the day.

MYTH #5:

AFTER AN INTENSE WORKOUT, BOTTLED WATER IS BEST.

There's a reason volunteers hand out Gatorade during marathons. If your workout lasts longer than an hour, you need to replace the water and electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, that you've lost (that's what sports drinks generally do). For less intense workouts, regular water is fine.

MYTH #6:

WATER BOTTLES AREEASY ON THE ENVIRONMENT BECAUSE THEY CAN BE RECYCLED.

Wouldn't it be nice? And it's not just the bottles. Eco-costs include manufacturing, trucking, shelving, and marketing. And meeting the annual U.S. demand for plastic bottles requires enough oil to keep 100,000 cars on the road for a year, says Janet Larsen of the Earth Policy Institute. Sure, the 70 million empty water bottles the U.S. produces per day can be recycled, but the sad truth is, about 86 percent of them end up in the trash. Hardly worth it, for what flows out of the tap and into a reusable glass for free.

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MYTH #1: BOTTLED WATER IS BETTER THAN TAP. Not necessarily. While labels gush about bottled water that "begins as snowflakes" or flows from "deep inside lush green volcanoes," between 25 and 40 percent of bottled water comes from a less exotic source: U.S. municipal water supplies.

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BOTTLED WATER INDUSTRY PROVIDES ASSISTANCE TO HAITIAN RELIEF EFFORTS
Statement of IBWA President Joseph K. Doss:
"The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) and the bottled water industry have been working to provide bottled water to the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Since we first learned the news of this disaster, IBWA and the bottled water industry have produced, coordinated and distributed critical bottled water supplies through relief agencies and organizations such as 'Clean the World', 'Convoy of Hope,' 'American Red Cross' and 'AmeriCares' and other state and local charities.

A key facet of IBWA involvement has been to provide bottled water companies with specific information regarding staging areas where bottled water shipments may be dropped, as well as other contact information for relief organizations that are seeking bottled water and other contributions.

The bottled water industry has always been at the forefront of relief efforts during natural disasters and other catastrophic events. Throughout the years, bottled water companies have immediately responded to the need for clean water after natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina, the earthquakes and wildfires in the West, or the terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center. More recently, our companies provided bottled water to those in need in the aftermath of the 2009 spring flooding in the Midwest."

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Contact:
TOM LAURIA703-647-4609 office / 703-887-4056 cellphone
Emergency Relief contacts:
Clean the World ( http://www.cleantheworld.org)

Convoy of Hope ( http://www.convoyofhope.com)

American Red Cross ( http://www.redcross.org)

AmeriCARES ( http://www.americares.org)
The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) is the authoritative source of information about all types of bottled waters, including spring, mineral, purified, artesian, and sparkling. Founded in 1958, IBWA's membership includes U.S. and international bottlers, distributors and suppliers. IBWA is committed to working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates bottled water as a packaged food product, to set comprehensive and stringent standards for safe, high-quality bottled water products.

In addition to FDA regulations, IBWA member bottlers must adhere to the IBWA Bottled Water Code of Practice, which mandates additional standards and practices that in some cases are more stringent than federal and state regulations. A key feature of the IBWA Bottled Water Code of Practice is a mandatory annual plant inspection by an independent, third-party organization.

IBWA is proud to be a partner with Keep America Beautiful and a supporter of Drink Up, an initiative of former First Lady Michelle Obama and the Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA), which encourages Americans to drink more water more often - whether from the tap, a filter, or in a bottle. Choosing water is always the healthy choice.

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BOTTLED WATER INDUSTRY PROVIDES ASSISTANCE TO HAITIAN RELIEF EFFORTS - Bottled Water | IBWA | Bottled Water

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BOTTLED WATER INDUSTRY PROVIDES ASSISTANCE TO HAITIAN RELIEF EFFORTS Statement of IBWA President Joseph K. Doss: "The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) and the bottled water industry have been working to provide bottled water to the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.