Recently, bottled water has been in the spotlight. The media has reported on health risks that some people may have with drinking bottled water. However, most of these are myths and concerns that can be easily avoided without having to give up bottled water altogether.
1) Tap water
Tap water is tested for harmful microbes before it is sent through the pipes to homes and businesses throughout the country. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the quality of public water systems. This means that there are regular tests and inspections to make sure that the water meets safety standards.
Additionally, the EPA requires that all public water systems provide customers with an annual water quality report. This report includes information on the source of the water, any potential contaminants that have been found in the water, and what steps are being taken to ensure that the water is safe to drink.
a) Water filtration
One of the most common concerns about tap water is that it may contain contaminants that can be harmful to your health. While it is true that some tap water may contain contaminants, there are a number of ways to filter these out.
There are a number of different treatment systems that are available to remove contaminants from tap water. To install a treatment system, you will need to purchase a filtration system and have it installed by a licensed contractor. If you are concerned about the quality of your tap water, there are also a number of home test kits that you can use to test for contaminants. These kits are available at most hardware stores.
2) Bottled water
Bottled water is not subject to the same regulations as tap water. The FDA does not require bottled water companies to test their water for harmful microbes or to provide customers with an annual water quality report.
However, some bottled water companies do test their water for microbes and provide this information to their customers. Additionally, all bottled water companies must follow the FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practices, which are designed to ensure the safety of food and beverage products.
Some of the concerns about plastic bottle contaminants include:
-BPA, is a hormone disruptor that can leach from the bottle into the water
-Phthalates, which are chemicals that are used to make plastic more flexible and can also leach into the water
-Pesticides and herbicides, which may be present in the water if the bottle is made from recycled plastic
3) Price
One of the biggest concerns about bottled water is the price. A gallon of bottled water can cost up to 10 times more than a gallon of tap water. However, when you compare the price of bottled water to other beverages, it is not as expensive. For example, a gallon of milk costs about the same as a gallon of bottled water.
When you compare the price of tap water to other beverages, it is also not as expensive. For example, a gallon of soda costs about twice as much as a gallon of tap water.
4) Convenience
Another concern about bottled water is that it is not as convenient as tap water. Bottled water is sold in a variety of locations, including grocery stores, gas stations, and convenience stores. Tap water is also available in these locations. However, you may not always have access to a sink or faucet to fill up your bottle.
5) Taste
Some people believe that bottled water tastes better than tap water. However, this is a matter of personal preference. There are a number of ways to improve the taste of tap water, including using a water filter or adding a water filter pitcher to your fridge.
6) Quality
The quality of tap water can vary depending on where you live. However, all public water systems are required to meet the standards set by the EPA. Additionally, you can always get your water tested if you are concerned about the quality of your tap water.
If you are concerned about the quality of your tap water, there are a number of ways to test for contaminants. These tests are available at most hardware stores. There are a number of different test kits that you can use to test your water for:
-Bacteria
-Chlorine
-Lead
-Pesticides
-Herbicides
Tap water may not be as popular as bottled water, but it is a better choice for many reasons. One of the most important benefits to tap water over bottled water is that all public drinking systems are required to meet EPA standards before they send their product through the pipes. Additionally, there are multiple ways you can test your home’s tap water quality if you are concerned about contaminants. Lastly, tap water is more affordable than other beverage options and just as convenient. When it comes to your health, the environment, and your wallet, tap water is the best choice.
