Water Filters vs. Bottled Water
Is Bottled Water Safe?
There are a number of reasons why bottled water may actually be unhealthier than regular tap water.
Tap vs. Bottle
There are many tests that tap water must undergo before it can be given to citizens. City tap water must be filtered and disinfected. It is tested for all manner of contaminants and pathogens.
On the other hand, there are no federal filtration or disinfection requirements related to bottled water companies. They have no responsibilities regarding these kinds of tests. Companies are also tempted to minimize testing because it can be an expensive process that cuts into profits.
Certainly, many bottled water companies get water from natural springs and they do intend to sell a quality protect. It is also true that this water may contain minerals and other natural ingredients can benefit your body better than chlorinated city water. Still, there is something to be said for the fact that qualified agents are looking out for you.
Filtered vs. Tap
Water filtration is meant to be the best way to get purified water. Water filtration systems undergo rigorous testing by the Environmental Protection Agency. For example, in order to pass the EPA’s test for E. coli, a filter must be able to remove at least 99.9999 per cent of the E. coli from water.
Filtering can also remove all the contaminants and particles that can be picked up by the water as it flows through your pipes which are likely to be years or decades old.
Filtered vs. Bottle
We have outlined above the dangers concerning bottled water and its lack of regulation. We have also noted that the EPA has strict guidelines concerning the efficiency of water filtration. One other aspect of bottled water is that it is packaged in cheap plastic that gets jostled and shaken as it is shipped and may sit on shelves for several weeks or longer. During this time, the plastic can begin to break down, actually contaminating the water that it is supposed to be “pure.”
Finally, on a per cup basis, filtered water is much cheaper than bottled water. Whoever thought that it was reasonable to pay a dollar or several for half a liter of water?
On the whole, water filtration is best way to certify that your water is clean and pure. The EPA backs that notion and so does a comparison to other methods of acquiring water.
