Tap water vs. Bottled water: Study reveals which is safer in US

UPDATED: Jan 16, 2025 00:00 IST

In the ongoing debate over tap water versus bottled water, most of us seem to relyon convenience, taste, or perceived safety to choose our poison. Bottled water is frequently billed as the purest, safest choice, yet a closer inspection provides a more complicatedpicture. Recent research and environmental considerations therefore indicate that tap water might not only be the safer choice in many cases it is also the more sustainable one.

A study published in BMJ Global Health emphasizes that tap water in the U.S. is generally as safe, if not safer, than bottled water. Why? It comes down to regulation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rigorously monitors and enforces safety standards for municipal water systems, requiring frequent testing and transparent reporting to the public.

On the other hand, bottled water falls under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which imposes comparatively lax requirements. Shockingly, bottled water companies are not required to disclose as much information about contaminants as municipal water systems.

Many consumers believe bottled water is synonymous with purity. However, studies have found that some bottled water is nothing more than filtered tap waterat a steep markup. Beyond this economic consideration lies the environmental toll. According to the Pacific Institute, producing plastic bottles for bottled water consumes about 17 million barrels of oil annually in the U.S. alone. Add the energy for transportation and the fact that only about 30% of these bottles are recycled, and its clear that bottled water is a significant contributor to plastic waste and carbon emissions.

While tap water is generally safe, concerns about aging infrastructure and localized contamination remain valid. Events like the Flint, Michigan water crisis highlight the importance of regular testing and public accountability. If you're worried about your tap water, request a water quality report from your local utility. Installing a water filter tailored to your areas specific water issues can further enhance safety and taste.

Why do so many of us gravitate toward bottled water? Today, 96% of Americans purchase bottled water, with nearly one in five relying on it exclusively as their drinking water source. Marketing plays a significant role. Bottled water brands invest heavily in advertising to create an image of pristine mountain springs or untouched glaciers. This imagery, combined with sleek packaging, can overshadow the reality: bottled water isn't inherently superior to tap water. Studies have even shown that in blind taste tests, many people cannot distinguish between bottled and tap water.

Switching to tap wateror filtered tap watercan have a ripple effect. By using a reusable bottle, you not only reduce plastic waste but also save money. Over time, these small changes can lead to significant environmental benefits. Imagine reducing the billions of plastic bottles that end up in landfills or oceans every year.