Is bottled water safer than tap water?
Some consumers feel that bottled water is somehow safer than tap water. This is generally not true. In fact, a recent study revealed that 25 percent of all bottled water is simply tap water that has been placed in a bottle and sold at a price 250 to 10,000 times higher than tap water. For example, a typical price for a one-gallon jug of bottled water ranges from $0.99 to $4, whereas the price for a gallon of AUB tap water is less than $0.002 less than 2/10ths of a penny per gallon. As for the quality of bottled water, it also can vary greatly. Several factors affect the quality, such as the water source, production processes, packaging material, and shelf life before use. Believe it or not, it wasn t until 1996 that bottled water was federally scrutinized regarding quality. In some states, it was not regulated at all. Today, federal laws require that bottled water meet many of the regulations as utility-supplied tap water.
Not necessarily. Studies have shown that microbes may grow in the bottles while on the grocers’ shelves. Residents do not need to buy bottled water for safety reasons if your tap water meets all federal and state drinking water standards ( Wilmette ’s does!). Those who prefer water with a different taste, can buy bottled water, but it costs up to 1,000 times more than tap water. Of course, in emergencies, bottled water can be a vital source of drinking water for people without water.
Bottled water is only as good as its source. Many bottled waters are actually bottled tap water. Currently, bottled water is not as heavily regulated or tested as tap water. Instead bottled water is regulated through the Food and Drug Administration and is considered a food product. Additionally, water utilities are required to release information on their water’s quality and bottled water companies are not.
Bottled water is not necessarily any safer than your drinking water. However, the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certifies some brands of drinking water. To find out which brands are certified, either click on the NSF link above or call NSF at 800-673-8010. Remember: Bottled water is up to 150 times more expensive than filtered tap water. Plus, filtered tap water offers the convenience of clean water on demand from the faucet.
