Water is the foundation for everything, especially personal health. If the water you’re drinking is contaminated in any way, it can have short-term and long-term consequences on your well-being. As experts in the water industry, we often get asked, “Is bottled water healthier than tap?” Today, we are diving into the bottled water vs tap water debate and sharing how you can secure a clean water source today.
Is Bottled Water Healthier than Tap Water?
The answer to this question isn’t a one-size-fits-all. It depends on where you live, the infrastructure established, local laws, and personal needs. Therefore, we are going to provide a basic overview of each option.
Bottled Water vs Tap Water
Bottled Water Basics
While bottled water is supposed to be regulated by both the federal and state governments, the requirements vary depending on the source of the water and the state where it is processed. Plus, it isn’t a 100% guarantee; there have been various outbreaks of bottled-water-related illnesses, where germs or chemicals have contaminated the water.
Additionally, bottled water regulations do not yet account for microplastics. This is left up to the regulations of the water bottler supplier.
Tap Water Basics
When referring to tap water, it is essential to understand its source. Tap water can either come from a personal or community well (more common in rural areas) or be supplied by a city water system, which pulls the water in from surface water sources like rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
When supplied by the city, it must be disinfected, filtered for pathogens, and regularly tested. It often doesn’t include filtering out PFAs or microplastics, however. The best way to know the quality of your local tap water is to check with your city’s water reports regularly.
What to Consider with Bottled Water vs Tap Water
When determining whether to choose bottled water versus tap water, here is what to keep in mind:
- How Clean is Your Water?
If your home or business does not have access to reliable, clean drinking water, then getting bottled water is the logical choice. We suggest checking the cleanliness of your water by reviewing city reports and testing it personally. If your tap water does not meet necessary health standards, then bottled water is the only way to go. This is especially relevant if you or a family member requires pure water due to personal illness.
- How Convenient is Your Water?
Many businesses do not have the luxury of having readily available water; either there is not access point or it takes too much time to retrieve. In this case, having bottled water available for staff, guests, or customers is essential to ensure the safety and health of everyone on site. This is especially true if you run a labor intensive business; your employees will need safe, clean drinking water in large quantities.
- How Do You Like Your Water?
When it comes to water, taste is influenced by the elements inside the water. In some cases, tap water or bottled water has a specific “flavor.” You will want to align with your preferences to ensure a healthy water intake.
What About the Plastic?
There are two primary concerns we get for plastic use in the “Is bottled water healthier than tap?” debate. First is the question of microplastics and second is the factor of plastic waste.
Regarding microplastics, at Paradise Bottled Water, we use a carbon filter and a reverse osmosis system. A reverse osmosis (RO) system is highly effective at removing microplastics. In contrast, a carbon filter (the filter you have in your fridge for tap water) is less effective but can capture larger ones. RO systems use a fine membrane to physically block particles, trapping up to 99.99% of microplastics, whereas activated carbon filters primarily work through absorption and are better at removing chemicals and larger particles.
In terms of plastic waste, while we wish there was a perfect solution, there isn’t yet. We can’t force people to recycle our plastic water bottles after they are empty, which is why we do everything we can to minimize waste prior to it ending up in peoples’ hands. To do this, our single-use water bottles are made from biodegradable plastic, and we partner with vendors who use recycled plastic (rPET) to reduce waste. Plus, we offer refillable dispensers to prevent single use unnecessary waste.
Why Paradise Bottled Water Stands Out
At Paradise Bottled Water, our bottled water is the definition of purity. Our commitment to clean water is demonstrated through every aspect of our business. Whether you need refillable water dispensers, a few cases of bottled water, or a whole pallet, we are here to provide clean, safe drinking water.
Learn more about our offerings today!
