7 Reasons Why Tap Water is Better Than Bottled Water
Drinking water is essential for health, but the common belief that bottled water is the safer choice isn’t accurate. Many people choose bottled water over tap because they’re more health-conscious, thinking it’s a safer option. However, bottled water can be harmful both to our health and the environment. It’s best to minimize the use of disposable or reusable plastic bottles unless absolutely necessary. Here’s why opting for tap water makes more sense:
1. Bottled Water Often Comes From Tap Water
Don’t be misled by labels showing idyllic mountain springs. The truth is, most bottled water originates from tap water, undergoing ultraviolet treatment before retail. While the FDA regulates bottled water for E. Coli, the EPA’s standards for tap water are stricter, requiring zero E. Coli or fecal coliform bacteria.
2. Plastic Releases Harmful Chemicals
When plastic bottles are exposed to heat, they release harmful chemicals like BPA (Bisphenol A), and even BPA-free plastics release BPS (Bisphenol S). These contaminants can leach into the water and may cause health issues like asthma, diabetes, and cancer.
3. Bottled Water Lacks Proven Benefits
The NRDC’s review found no evidence that bottled water is healthier than tap water. Misleading advertisements make people think they’re paying for purity, leading to hefty spending—10,000 times more than tap water. But is it really worth it for our health and the environment?
4. Water Waste in Production
Producing plastic bottles wastes a significant amount of water—three times the amount that fits in a single bottle. This waste is alarming, especially since water is a critical natural resource.
5. Plastic Bottles Fill Up Landfills
The environmental impact doesn’t stop with production. In the U.S., more than 2 million tons of PET bottles clog landfills. Only a small fraction gets recycled, with most taking up land space and polluting the planet. Did you know plastic takes 450 years to decompose?
6. Bottled Water is Costly
While tap water isn’t free, it’s incomparable to the high costs of bottled water, which can range from 90 cents to $8.50 a gallon. Essentially, you’re paying more for something that’s not necessarily safe and may harm your health.
7. Tap Water is Better Regulated
The regulations for bottled water are less stringent compared to tap water, which undergoes rigorous lab testing and certification. Tap water retains essential minerals like iron and calcium, often lost in bottled water’s filtration process.
So, what’s a better alternative to plastic bottles? You can store water safely in glass, copper, or stainless-steel bottles. These materials are environmentally friendly and safe for your health. By choosing tap water and avoiding plastic bottles, you’re contributing to a healthier lifestyle, protecting the environment, and saving money.