Have you ever wondered: which is better, bottled water or tap? After all, they both taste pretty much the same to most palates. Bottled water is the fasting growing commercial beverage sold in the Unites States. But does that mean it is the best? The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for the quality of bottled water, while the Environmental Protection Agency regulates tap water. Each has their own set of standards which are extremely similar. However, the supporters of each group insist that their water is better.
“The Model Bottled Water Regulation”, created by the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) claims that their standards are “more aggressive than those governing tap water.” However, this claim has never been analyzed by a third-party. Tap water may be safer than bottled water in regards to certain parasites, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium. All tap water is tested for these health hazards, but it is not a standard test for bottled water. This is why people whose immune system is compromised in some way (cancer patients, HIV positive, and infants) are cautioned against drinking bottled water.
There are also contaminant issues with tap water. Depending on where you live, the levels of contaminants and bacteria in your water often vary. In 2003, changes were proposed to The Clean Water Act which gives an advantage to the bottled water industry. Though the Environmental Protection Agency tries to keep your water clean and high quality, a lot of variation exists. Many people choose to put in a filtration system to combat this problem.
Ultimately, the decision about whether to choose bottled or tap water is up to you. Many people appreciate the convenience and healthiness of bottled water, especially when eating out or traveling. Others are concerned with the environmental impact of plastic water bottles, choosing instead to carry their own filtered tap water in reusable bottles. Cost might be a major decision factor for some, as a five year supply of bottled water can be as much as $1,000, while a five-year supply of tap water comes to $1.65. Whatever you decide is best for your family, remember that drinking water over soda or juice is always the healthier decision.
For more information about the importance of water, please visit http://www.centralbasin.org/.
