Bottled Water vs Tap Water: Which is Better?

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by Roy Landers

May 24, 2023

Photo of running faucet water with bottled alongside on kitchen counter
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Bottled water vs tap water has been a question on the minds of lots of water consumers for a long time. This controversy has been spurred, in large part, because of the various and often horror stories about the quality of America’s drinking water systems such as Flint Michigan, Jackson Mississippi, and a host of other major cities.

Water is essential for our survival, and it’s important to make sure you and those you love are drinking clean and safe water. When it comes to getting our daily dose of H2O, we have two main options: bottled water or tap water. Both have their benefits and drawbacks, but which one is better?

In this article, we’ll compare bottled water vs tap water and provide five reasons to consider when determining which is best for your particular circumstances.

1. The difference in the cost of bottled water vs tap water.          

Tap water is significantly cheaper than bottled water. In fact, tap water costs less than $0.02 per gallon, while bottled water can cost up to $0.64 per gallon, more than 3000% more than a gallon of tap water. This means that drinking tap water could save you a lot of money in the long run.

Although bottled water may be more costly, it sometimes proves to be better than tap water when it comes to taste, convenience, and even safety, depending on the geographical location and the local municipal water treatment system.

Therefore, factors other than cost alone should be taken into account before making a decision whether tap water is a better choice than bottled water for consumption purposes. Read all of the information contained in this article and then make the assessment for yourself.

2. The environmental Impact of bottled water vs tap water

Bottled water has a significant impact on the environment. Make sure to include the following two factors when deciding between bottled water and tap water.

  • The production and transportation of bottled water requires a lot of energy and resources. According to National Geographics, Americans drink 29 billion bottles of water annually. This is more than any other nation.  Making the plastic for the 29 billion bottles of water requires 17 million barrels of crude oil annually. That’s enough to fuel one million vehicles for whole year. This is a huge impact on the environment and the emissions from this production adds to the global warming of our world’s climate which is rapidly deteriorating to our detriment. 
  • Plastic bottles can take hundreds of years to decompose. 

Think about this for a moment. After you drink a bottle of water and dispose of it, it lands in your local landfill or perhaps it ends up in the ocean or other water stream. Likely you don’t think about it because most people who drink bottled water have no idea what plastic bottles do to the environment once they are done emptying the contents.

The reality is, if you lived for 400 years after you disposed of that plastic bottle it would still be in its same form and would not have decomposed or broken down to where it is no longer garbage sitting around dirtying up the environment and contributing to pollution.  It takes 450 years for a plastic bottle to decompose. Think about this for a moment when you are making the choice to drink bottled water vs tap water.

In contrast, tap water is delivered through a system of pipes, which is much more environmentally friendly.

3. Quality

Many people believe that bottled water is of higher quality than tap water. However, most tap water in the United States is safe to drink and is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In fact, most bottled water is just tap water that has been filtered. Additionally, the plastic bottles used for bottled water can leach chemicals into the water, which can be harmful to our health.

Tap water also has challenges when it comes to quality and safety for consumption purposes. America’s drinking water facilities are taxed beyond their capacity to deliver as safe a water supply system as it should. Due to old and dilapidated water and water treatment facilities, much of the tap water supply in the US cannot remove contaminants that lurk within the municipal water treatment plants around the country, despite the valiant efforts of governmental agencies like the EPA (Environment Protection Agency)

Concentration of chemicals defined as “forever chemicals” that exist and are resistance to treatment are found within tap water systems and they show up substantially more in the present tap water flowing through kitchen faucets than they should.

4. Convenience – Does the convenience of bottled water make it a better choice than tap water?

Bottled water is often seen as more convenient than tap water because it’s portable and easy to grab on the go. The argument for the use of bottled water vs tap water often are:

  • Convenience of Portability - With bottled water, you can stay hydrated no matter where you go. Whether you're out and about, traveling, or at work, bottled water is readily available and easy to carry.
  • Convenient Packaging - Bottled water comes in various sizes, shapes, and packaging, making it easy to store and use. You can choose from bottled water with screw caps, sports caps, or even glass bottles.
  • Time-saving Convenience - With bottled water, there's no need to wait for the tap to run cold. You can quickly grab a bottle of cold water from the fridge and be on your way.
  • Perfect for travel - Whether you’re traveling to a remote location or going on a road trip, bottled water is a must-have essential that keeps you hydrated and refreshed throughout your journey.
  • Portability: Bottled water is highly portable. You can easily carry it with you wherever you go, making it an ideal option for travelers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Perfect for emergencies: Bottled water is a great backup option during emergencies, power outages or natural disasters when tap water may become contaminated. Always have a stock of bottled water for your peace of mind.

All of the above conveniences appear to make bottled water a better choice than tap water on the surface.  However, tap water can be just as convenient if you have a reusable water bottle that does not present a hazard to the environment as does bottled water. Plus, you don’t have to worry about running out of water or making trips to the grocery store to restock.

There are several other opposite arguments or positions that may make tap water a better choice than bottled water such as:

  • Cost-Effective: Tap Water is not only convenient but also cost-effective. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), tap water costs around $0.002 per gallon, while bottled water can cost up to $1 per gallon. So, you can save money and get healthy water at the same time. 
  • Quality Check: Tap water is subject to quality checks and regulations by the EPA, ensuring that it is safe to drink. In contrast, bottled water is not always subjected to the same level of scrutiny, and some brands may not meet the same standards as tap water.
  • Environmentally Friendly: Drinking tap water can help reduce the impact of plastic waste on the environment. According to the National Geographic, 8.8 million tons of plastic enter the ocean every year, with a significant amount being plastic bottles. 
  • Easy Access: Tap water is readily available and easily accessible, whether you're at home, work, or a public place. You don't need to worry about carrying bulky bottled water or running out of it, as you have an endless supply from your faucet.  
  • Health Benefits:  Drinking tap water is often enriched with essential minerals like calcium and fluoride, which are beneficial for your bone and dental health. In contrast, some bottled water brands may lack these minerals or contain excessive amounts of harmful chemicals. 

Use the above points to determine whether bottled water vs tap water is best for your drinking water purposes.

5. Taste

The taste sense is one of the five human senses. It is essential to our survival because it enables the individual the choice of correct food, which, in turn, is crucial for one's existence, maintenance and function.

The taste of water is subjective and can vary depending on where you live. Some people prefer the taste of bottled water, while others prefer the taste of tap water. However, tap water can be filtered to improve its taste if needed. Additionally, some bottled water can have added minerals or flavors, which can alter the taste.

Bottled water tastes are much more varied and the flavors can be fruit, citrus, carbonated, sweet, bitter  and many different other tastes depending on the whims of the consumer.

In conclusion, while both bottled water and tap water have their pros and cons, tap water is the better choice for several reasons. It’s cheaper, more environmentally friendly, and regulated by the EPA. Plus, with a reusable water bottle, it can be just as convenient as bottled water. So, the next time you’re thirsty, consider opting for tap water instead of reaching for a plastic bottle.

Want to know more about water and its importance in every aspect of your life? Get updates on everything you want to know about water including, cooking, safety, health, how to make money from tap water and much more. Click here

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The importance of water and having knowledge of the different types of water are  essential elements for life, and plays a critical role in the human body. Water helps transport nutrients, regulate body temperature, and lubricate joints. It also plays a vital role in flushing out toxins and waste products from the body.

With the growing awareness of the importance of water quality on health, there has been an increase in the variety of water options available. 

While some people may take water for granted, it's important to note that not all water is created equal. There are different types of water, each with its unique benefits and risks. This article is not intended to cover every type of water because they are numerous.

Tap water, spring water, alkaline water, and bottled water are some of the options available in the market and are the subject of this article. While all these types of water share the same basic component - water, there are some differences in their composition, benefits, and potential problems.

The intent of this article is to provide information that water consumers can use to help them determine how each of the type waters covered in this article might best fit within their lifestyle, such as their benefits and the risks associated with contamination and pollution of water in general.

The Most Common Types of Water

1. Tap Water/Faucet Water

While public safety groups correctly point out that many municipal water systems are aging and there remain hundreds of chemical contaminants for which no standards have been established, there's very little empirical evidence that suggests bottled water is any cleaner or better for you than its tap equivalent.
Tap water faucet running water with open spigot

Tap water or faucet water, is water that is supplied to homes and businesses through municipal water systems. This water undergoes a treatment process to make it safe for consumption. The treatment process involves the addition of chemicals, such as chlorine, to kill harmful bacteria and viruses. Tap water is generally safe to drink, and in most cases, it meets the minimum standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

However, tap water can sometimes have a taste or odor due to the chemicals added during the treatment process. In addition, due to the age and condition of the pipes that carry the water from its municipal source to the faucet within a home of business, tap water often becomes contaminated with lead that leaches from the pipes and is ingested when consumed by the unsuspecting consumer. 

The piping system in America is old and outdated. Some sources report that lead piping in many areas are as old as 113 years. Until the government replaces the lead piping that was used decades ago, this problem will persist, despite the fact that the water from the municipal source might otherwise be safe for health purposes. 

2. Spring Water

Spring water is water that comes from a natural spring. It is often touted as a healthier alternative to tap water as it is naturally filtered and contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium. However, spring water is not always safe to drink,

It is untreated and therefor subject to high risk of having contaminates within it. Some people prefer spring water because of its natural taste and high mineral content. However the good taste benefit may be overridden for desirable use unless the issue of contaminates is addressed. The quality of spring water can also vary depending on the source and environmental factors such as pollution. 

3. Alkaline Water

Alkaline water has a higher pH level than tap water, usually between 7.5 and 9.5. This water is said to have health benefits such as neutralizing acid in the body and improving hydration.

There are considerable discussions and controversies between experts regarding the benefits of alkaline water, especially when it comes to some of the claims that are made about its curative properties for numerous ailments suffered by masses of people. The body maintains an average pH factor 7 which is considered normal and is neither too acidic, which is not good for human health, and sufficient for alkaline purposes within the body. It is between these warring factions that the controversy over alkaline water exists and continues.

There is some evidence that water with a high pH factor has curative powers. This is not a new phenomenon. Around the world, there are locations that have natural springs gushing water with high concentrations of alkalinity and history reports that people who have dipped themselves in those waters were and are healed from maladies such as cancer, skin diseases, and several other diseased conditions. 

Places like Lourdes, France, Tlacote, Mexico, Nordenau, Germany, and Nadana, India, are famous for such curative water springs.

Some scientific studies show alkaline water does in fact provide good results in the treatment of some physical maladies such as acid reflux, commonly referred to as "heartburn."

Dr. Hiromi Shinya, who is a renown surgeon and health practitioner and the inventor of the modern technique of colonoscopy procedures, extolls the virtue of alkaline water and its use. Dr. Shinya, contends that use of alkaline water in proper measures helps to cure as well as prevent cancerous occurrences in his book, "The Enzyme Factor."

5. Bottled Water

Water taking bottled water from store shelve to purchase

Bottled water is water that is sold in bottles and is sourced from various sources such as springs, wells, and municipal water supplies. The quality of bottled water can vary depending on the source and the treatment process used.

Some bottled water is simply tap water that has been treated and bottled. While bottled water is convenient, it can be expensive and have negative impacts on the environment due to the plastic waste it creates.

There has been a recent trend to move from tap water coming out of the faucet for drinking purposes to the purchasing of bottled water with the mistaken idea that “bottled water” is somehow safer, fresher, purer, and more healthful than tap water.

Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, bottled water, in large part, is nothing but tap water that came from the same municipal source that you drink from your kitchen faucet. Coca Cola and Pepsi Cola, were forced to admit that fact in prior investigations of its claims about the purity, wholesomeness, and health claims they were making about their bottled water Dasani and Aquafina. contributes to the problem of contaminated and unsafe drinking water when it is placed under a microscope of investigation.

In theory, bottled water in the United States falls under the regulatory authority of the Food and Drug Administration. In practice, about 70 percent of bottled water never crosses state lines for sale, making it exempt from FDA oversight.

On the other hand, water systems in the developed world are well-regulated. In the U.S., for instance, municipal water falls under the purview of the Environmental Protection Agency, and is regularly inspected for bacteria and toxic chemicals. Want to know how your community scores? Check out the Environmental Working Group's National Drinking Water Database.

Overall, the choice of water is a personal preference, and the type of water one drinks depends on factors such as taste, health benefits, and convenience. It is important to ensure that the water is safe to drink and meets the minimum standards set by the EPA.

Bottled water isn't a good value

Bottled water is convenient. That’s a strong motivation for people to consume it especially when on the run, out and about, and there is no access to tap or faucet water. However, that convenience comes with a high price tag and the reality is that bottled water is just tap water branded and sold in an attractive marketing and packaging and in often a lot of hype.

According to some sources, bottled water is almost 2,000 times the price of tap water, with a gallon of bottled water costing three times the national average of a gallon of milk. This is interesting, given that bottled water is often simply filtered tap water.

According to the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) the average cost of a bottle of non-sparkling water was $1.23 in 2021. Most municipal water costs less than 1 cent per gallon.

Can you see why there’s no shortage of companies that want get into the bottled water business?

Bottled water means garbage and more harm to the environment

Bottled water produces up to 25 million tons of plastic waste per year. Most of this waste is not recycled and ends up in landfills where it takes up to 450 years to degrade into a harmless substance. These plastic bottles millions of gallons of oil per year to produce. And while the plastic used to bottle beverages is of high quality and in demand by recyclers, over 80 percent of plastic bottles are simply thrown away.

Bottle water is big business but it’s also a big polluter and creates huge waste in our landfills. Publications like National Geographic have weighed in on the bad side effects of bottled water.

Benefits of Drinking Water

Drinking water has numerous health benefits, including:

1. Hydration

Drinking water helps keep the body hydrated, which is essential for maintaining good health.

2. Weight loss

Drinking water can help with weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing calorie intake.

3. Digestion

Water helps facilitate the digestion of food and prevents constipation.

4. Skin health

Drinking water helps keep the skin hydrated and can help prevent dryness and wrinkles.

5. Kidney function

Water helps flush out waste products from the body, which is important for maintaining healthy kidney function.

Risks Associated with Contaminated and Polluted Water

While water is essential for life, contaminated and polluted water can be harmful to health. Here are some of the risks associated with contaminated and polluted water:

1. Bacterial infections

Contaminated water can contain harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, which can cause gastrointestinal infections.

2. Viral infections

Contaminated water can also contain viruses such as hepatitis A, which can cause liver infections.

3. Parasitic infections

Contaminated water can contain parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, which can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

4. Chemical exposure

Polluted water can contain chemicals such as lead, mercury, chlorine, and pesticides, which can be harmful to health.

How to Ensure Safe Drinking Water

To ensure that you are drinking safe water, follow these tips:

1. Use a water filter

A water filter can help remove contaminants such as lead and chlorine from tap water.

2. Boil water

Boiling water can help kill harmful bacteria and viruses.

3. Avoid bottled water

Bottled water is not necessarily safer than tap water and can be expensive and harmful to the environment.

4. Test well water

If you rely on well water, it's important to have it tested regularly for contaminants.

FAQs

Q: Is alkaline water better than tap water?

A:  Tap water should not be ruled out as a source for consuming. In general, it is safe and meets the minimum standards required by law for consumption. However, once it leaves the municipal source, often it gets contaminated along the way due to the dilapidated old lead pipes which can leach lead into the water. Unless there is a filter that removes the lead and other contaminates that my be in the water, it could cause harm with constant use. There is little scientific evidence to support the claim that alkaline water is better than tap water

Q: Can polluted water be purified?

A: Yes, polluted water can be purified using methods such as reverse osmosis and activated carbon filtration.

Q: Should I drink bottled water?

A: Bottled water is not necessarily safer than tap water and can be expensive and harmful to the environment.

Conclusion:

Water is an essential element for life, and it's important to ensure that you are drinking safe water. While there are different types of water, each with its unique benefits and risks, following the tips outlined in this article can help ensure that you are drinking safe water. So drink up and stay hydrated!

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About the author 

Roy Landers

Roy is a published best-selling author on Amazon, a certified content marketer, a successful owner of several businesses, a practicing attorney with over 30 years of experience, and a former court Judge Pro Tem. He writes articles for several blogs and is a contributing writer on the Medium platform.

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