Water is necessary for human existence, thus everyone has a primary responsibility to make sure that the water they consume is safe, clean, and healthy. Many people are curious about whether tap water or bottled water is better for the environment, their health, and their wallet.
A more thorough comparison shows the advantages and disadvantages of each choice in terms of safety, affordability, convenience, and environmental effect, even if each has pros and cons of its own.
Aspects of Safety and Health to Consider
Safety is one of the most vital factors in deciding between tap and bottled water. In many industrialised nations, the safety of tap water is strictly monitored and tested. For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States establishes strict guidelines for municipal water, ensuring that dangerously high concentrations of toxins like germs, pesticides, and lead are absent. Local water agencies must conduct routine water testing and notify any infractions.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in contrast, is in charge of regulating bottled water. Their rules are comparable to those of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) but are somewhat looser.
While a lot of bottled water companies get their water from aquifers or natural springs, some bottled water is just tap water that has been through further filtering or treatment. Repackaged municipal tap water makes up around 25% of bottled water, according to National Resources Defence Council (NRDC) research.
Safe drinking water can be maintained in nations with strict water laws by using both tap and bottled water. On the other hand, fluoride, which is frequently added by towns to prevent tooth decay, is an extra advantage of tap water. Unless the manufacturer adds fluoride intentionally, bottled water usually doesn’t.
Comparing Costs
The price is one of the main benefits of tap water over bottled water. The average cost per gallon of tap water is a fraction of a penny, making it far less expensive. On the other hand, depending on the brand and size, bottled water can cost up to several dollars for each bottle. This implies that those who use tap water save a lot of money compared to those who use bottled water for their daily hydration.
For instance, a person who consumes the daily recommended eight glasses of water, or around two litres, straight from the faucet would pay less than one dollar for water annually. On the other hand, it may cost hundreds of dollars a year to purchase the same quantity of bottled water. Bottled water may get expensive for homes very fast, especially when contrasted to the almost free cost of tap water.
Accessibility and Convenience
There are several benefits to bottled water in terms of accessibility and convenience. It’s quick and simple for those who are on the go to get a bottle of water from a vending machine or store. Bottled water is also necessary in places where tap water might not be safe to drink, including when visiting places with laxer water laws or when local water supplies are harmed by natural disasters.
Certain locations may have unique tastes in their tap water because of minerals or chlorine. Some individuals enjoy the flavour of bottled water, which is sometimes promoted as purer or fresher tasting, even though this taste is usually harmless. It’s important to remember that tap water quality differs depending on where you live, and that getting a home filter system may enhance flavour and get rid of contaminants.
Impact on the Environment
The environmental effect of bottled water is arguably its biggest drawback. One of the main causes of the worldwide plastic pollution catastrophe is plastic bottles. Less than half of the one million plastic bottles that are purchased globally every minute are recycled, according to the Earth Policy Institute. The remainder frequently ends up in the ocean or landfills, where it may take hundreds of years for them to break down, damaging ecosystems and species in the process.
Impact on the Environment
The environmental effect of bottled water is arguably its biggest drawback. One of the main causes of the worldwide plastic pollution catastrophe is plastic bottles. Less than half of the one million plastic bottles that are purchased globally every minute are recycled, according to the Earth Policy Institute.
The remainder frequently ends up in the ocean or landfills, where it may take hundreds of years for them to break down, damaging ecosystems and species in the process.
Large amounts of resources are also needed for the production of bottled water. When you take into account the water needed in the production of plastic bottles and the purification process, it takes around three litres of water to create one litre of bottled water.
Furthermore, using fossil fuels to transport bottled water across the nation or the world adds to carbon emissions and climate change. Tap water, on the other hand, leaves a far smaller environmental trace.
Because it is transported via an already-existing infrastructure, the energy-intensive bottling and shipping procedure is not required. Tap water combined with a reusable container is a considerably more environmentally friendly option for people who are worried about how their water usage affects the environment.
In conclusion, which is better?
What matters most to each individual determines who wins in the competition between tap water and bottled water. Bottled water could be the better option for convenience-seekers, particularly when safe tap water is unavailable.
However, in terms of cost, environmental effect, and general sustainability, tap water is a superior alternative for the great majority of people living in locations with safe and clean municipal water supplies. But depending on what country you live in, tap water quality may vary, so to be sure you can opt for water filter taps or any filtration system available in your area.
