Tap Water Vs Bottled Water

In our society, you can get water from many sources; tap water, bottled water, collected rainwater and even well water.Most people choose the water source that best suits their needs and is readily available.In our consumerist society, bottled water companies have put a variety of waters on the market, and there are so many choices that it can be difficult to choose the best. In recent reports, it has been discovered that these bottled water sources may not be as "pure" as initially thought, and some may actually come from tap water. There are many conflicting opinions on which water is "better", but in general it depends on the consumer and their location.

So how can we choose the best water source?  we'll break down how tap water differs from bottled water—specifically, the pros and cons of each type and how they compare.As more people avoid sugary drinks and soda, it's important to know about water and lab tap so consumers can choose the healthiest options for their hydration needs.

Tap Water 

Advantages

The obvious advantage of tap water is its wide and constant availability.All you have to do is turn on your tap and municipal water is available for a small monthly fee.The purity of tap water sources varies by city and location, but most maintain high standards. In the United States, the tap water supply is regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, which means it is overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency.The EPA is constantly updating its standards and regulations for chemical and microbiological contaminants,and continually monitors municipal water sources to ensure they meet those standards.Tap water also contains fluoride, which has added health benefits, especially for teeth and gums.Children are advised that they need more fluoride in their diets for tooth development, and drinking tap water is a good way to meet their daily requirements.A final clear advantage is that tap water is the best and easiest resource for environmental protection. As mains water is available through local pipes and suppliers - no resource expenditure for manufacturing plastic bottles or transport costs.

Disadvantages

Some consumers don't like the taste or look of tap water.In some areas, tap water may have some variance from the highest standards, but that doesn't mean they're not safe to drink.In these cases, municipal water sources may be contaminated by natural disasters or old pipes.A home filtration system can be used to prevent any noticeable taste or impurities.These filter systems can be attached to a faucet or plumbing, and they have filter containers that can be filled and left in the refrigerator. Tap water may not be extensively monitored to high standards or filtered in the same way. Best to use with caution if you're in a developing country or don't have a regulatory agency responsible for tap water quality.Tap water may also not be as convenient as bottled water, since you can't carry the tap with you.Some people opt for bottled water when they are on the go or while traveling because it is easy to transport. However, you can buy metal or plastic reusable containers that can be filled with water and refilled wherever there is a tap or drinking fountain.

Bottled Water

Advantages

Bottled water has become very popular over the years, especially among a younger, more health-conscious demographic.They love the variety and purity of drinking bottled water.With so many different types of bottled water (see our other posts on electrolyte and distilled water), consumers can easily choose the type that suits their hydration requirements.The availability of bottled water has also made it easier for consumers to obtain clean drinking water.Since bottled water is nearly ubiquitous - there's no shortage of water supplies.This is especially important in places where clean running water may not be available.Also in desert climates or harsh environments where water is scarce, bottled water provides a much-needed alternative to dehydration.

Disadvantages

In some cities, lawmakers are making it harder to buy bottled water.They either ban the commercial sale of bottled water or raise the tax per bottle.This is to encourage the public to use tap water or reusable bottles and to stop plastic bottle discharge and litter.Some cities have also installed more public taps and drinking fountains with filtering functions, making it easier for citizens to use tap water.It also turns out that some bottled water companies get their water from tap or municipal sources.Of course, the water goes through a stricter filtration process before being bottled, but it's still the same water in the first place. Also, not all bottled water companies are as heavily regulated as tap water and may contain more contaminants than other sources.