Bottled water is much better than tap water

There’s a widely held belief that bottled water is cleaner, safer, and healthier than tap water. But where did this notion come from, and more importantly, is it grounded in reality? Let’s dive deep into the science to unravel the truth.

Origins of the Myth

The perception that bottled water is purer than tap water finds its roots in successful marketing campaigns. Since the late 20th century, bottled water companies have heavily marketed their products as being of pristine quality, sourced from untouched springs or mountain ranges. The images of clear streams and untouched landscapes invoke feelings of purity and nature, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a healthier lifestyle.

Moreover, packaging often includes terms like “pure”, “clean”, and “natural”, further reinforcing this image. Over time, these campaigns effectively convinced many that bottled water is inherently safer and of a superior quality than its tap counterpart.

Reality Check: Quality and Safety

1. Regulations and Oversight: In the United States, tap water is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) while bottled water is overseen by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The EPA’s regulations for tap water are more stringent than the FDA’s for bottled water. As a result, municipalities are required to test water multiple times daily for bacteria and report annually on their water quality¹.
2. Contaminants: Contrary to popular belief, many studies have shown that bottled water can be subject to contamination. For instance, a 2018 study found that 93% of bottled water samples contained microplastics, tiny plastic particles that can be ingested². While the long-term health effects of microplastics are still being researched, their consistent presence in bottled water is undeniable.
3. Fluoridation: Many public water systems add fluoride to their water supply to help reduce tooth decay among their residents. Bottled water often lacks fluoride, which can deprive consumers of its dental health benefits³.

Environmental Impact

Bottled water’s environmental footprint is alarmingly high. Consider the following:

1. Carbon Footprint: Producing and transporting bottled water consumes significant energy. According to the Pacific Institute, producing the bottles for American consumption required the equivalent of over 17 million barrels of oil (not including transportation) in 2006⁴.
2. Waste: Only about 30% of plastic water bottles are recycled. The rest end up in landfills, incinerators, or as litter. This can have devastating impacts on marine life when they make their way into our oceans⁵.
3. Water Waste: It takes an astounding 3 liters of water to produce 1 liter of bottled water, further straining our precious water resources⁶.

Economic Considerations

On a per-gallon basis, bottled water can cost over 600 times more than tap water. Many people end up spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually on a product that is, in many cases, no better than the water they get virtually for free from their taps⁷.

Health Implications

While tap water is generally safe to drink, there are instances where tap water can be contaminated due to factors like industrial pollution, agricultural runoff, or outdated infrastructure. It’s essential to be informed about your local water quality by accessing annual water quality reports.

On the other hand, while bottled water may seem like a safer bet, it isn’t immune to contamination. As mentioned, bottled water can contain microplastics and other contaminants. Additionally, chemicals from the plastic can leach into the water, especially if the bottle is exposed to heat⁸.

Conclusion

While there’s a place for bottled water, especially in emergencies or places with compromised water quality, it isn’t inherently better or healthier than tap water. It’s essential to be informed and make choices based on empirical evidence rather than marketing rhetoric.

Sources:

Footnotes

1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2019). Drinking water requirements for states and public water systems. ↩
2. Mason, S. A., Welch, V. G., & Neratko, J. (2018). Synthetic Polymer Contamination in Bottled Water. Frontiers in Chemistry, 6, 407. ↩
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Community Water Fluoridation. ↩
4. Pacific Institute. (2007). Bottled Water and Energy: A Fact Sheet. ↩
5. National Geographic. (2017). A whopping 91% of plastic isn’t recycled. ↩
6. Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable. (2010). Beverage Industry Continues to Drive Improvement in Water and Energy Use. ↩
7. Food & Water Watch. (2010). Take Back the Tap: The Big Business Hustle of Bottled Water. ↩
8. Shotyk, W., Krachler, M., & Chen, B. (2006). Contamination of Canadian and European bottled waters with antimony from PET containers. Journal of Environmental Monitoring, 8(2), 288-292. ↩