Is Bottled Water Healthier Than Tap Water?

Often preferred over tap water, bottled water is gaining popularity for many reasons but among the most popular is the belief that it is safer to consume than tap water. Many consumers are willing to pay more for bottled water, a product they believe to be healthier than its less appealing counterpart. However, many studies reveal that drinking from a fountain is just as safe as drinking bottled water.

What Studies Show

Studies continually suggest that tap and bottled water are equally safe to drink. One study conducted in May 2005 by "20/20" compared the safeness of five popular brands of bottled water and a sample of tap water from a drinking fountain in New York City. After sending the samples to Aaron Margolin, microbiologist at the University of New Hampshire, the water was tested for bacteria. Results suggested that there was no difference between the bottled and tap water. Scientists consistently report similar findings, further demonstrating that tap water is just as healthy as bottled water.

Where Does Bottled Water Come From?

Appealing pictures placed on bottled water products may lead you to conjure up images of fresh water coming from the purest of waterfalls and glaciers. However, bottled and tap water virtually come from the same sources, including lakes, springs and aquifers, reports an Oct. 13, 2008 article in the "Los Angeles Times." Shocking as it may be, many bottled water products you find in stores are actually full of tap water that has simply been filtered.

Water Contaminents

The Environmental Protection Agency regulates the levels of approximately 90 different contaminants, including industrial chemicals, heavy metals and various germs. Large public water supplies are frequently tested for contaminants, potentially multiple times per day. Contrastingly, the Food and Drug Administration requires private bottlers to test for contaminants only once a week, once a year or once every four years, depending on the contaminant. Most tap water throughout the country meets EPA standards, but tap water is subject to contamination from lead in residential piping, whereas bottled water is not.

Taste

As noted in the "Los Angeles Times" article, Benjamin Grumbles, assistant administrator for water with the Environmental Protection Agency, stated that some tap water may taste unusual but generally this is not an indication that it is unsafe to drink. It is possible that water may taste different depending on your location within the United States. Some people may simply prefer the taste of bottled water, but rest assured that tap water regulated by the EPA has been found to be both safe and healthy to drink. The American Dietetic Association suggests adding fruit like lemon to your tap water to enhance its flavor.