Staying hydrated is the primary need of every human being. Nothing we say can explain the importance of staying hydrated, other than the fact that water is essential for us to stay alive and keep all the vital organs functioning properly.
One of the most common debates about drinking water is Tap Water vs. Bottled Water. In this article, we are going to look at this debate and come to the conclusion that which water source is best for you; healthy and fit for drinking purposes.
Tap Water vs. Bottled Water
Tap Water
The normal water that comes in your home is referred to as the tap water. It is supplied from the municipality center after treatment with various disinfectants like chlorine and filtered with large filtration systems to make it fit for drinking for your family. The concerns of aging infrastructure, water pollution, and improper treatment are always in your mind while drinking from tap water. We will look at the pros and cons of drinking tap water.
Pros
Safety and Health – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC states that drinking water in the US is one of the safest water in the world. It outlines the process of water treatment, which goes through coagulation and flocculation, sediment removal, filtration, and then disinfection. It is a comprehensive process and ensures that all the harmful contaminants are removed from the water source. EPA also keeps a regular check on the working of filtration units across the country to check their working and ensure the hygiene of your drinking water.
Taste – There is not much difference in the taste of tap water and bottled water. Tap water may taste different every few weeks because of the addition of chlorine for disinfection. The taste of tap water varies from one city to another due to the difference in the source of water, depth of the well, and geography of the area. Overall, the taste of tap water is not bland, and it will not irritate you.
Cheaper – Tap Water is very cheap as compared to bottled water. The total cost of one gallon of tap water is around 0.005 as compared to $9 for one gallon of bottled water. Do the math according to your consumption, and you will be amazed at how much you save each month by using tap water.
Convenience – Tap water is more convenient to use as compared to the water bottle. It is readily available by just opening the faucet. Most public places have tap water for drinking purposes.
Environmental Conservation – We all know that how much harmful plastic is for our environment. It ends up in our water sources and destroys marine life. Water treatment plants use chlorine and other filters for treatment, such as carbon filter or coconut filters, while filtering the water. They do not have any severe impact on our environment.
Cons
Unhygienic Infrastructure – The water pipes have germs that can contaminate water once it leaves the treatment plant.
Water Wastage – You may waste more water when drinking from the tap. It is our habit to wash pitcher, glass, or cup in which we are going to drink water before filling it. When calculated on the community level, it makes thousands of gallons being wasted for washing already washed things.
Contamination – Increasing water pollution like sewage water, industrial wastes, contamination from other harmful liquid wastes can cause tap water to be contaminated. It can also contain large amounts of iron and other heavy metals and sediments.
Tap Water: Is it Safe to Drink
After looking at the pros and cons of drinking tap water, we come to ask, is it safe to drink tap water? The answer is not a straight forward one until you are sure that the water treatment plant in your area is doing everything according to the prescribed standards to treat water; it is pure and drinkable. What if they are careless or the water pipes leading to your home are dirty and contain germs and other contaminants.
Sometimes the water may taste a bit awkward and smell due to chlorine addition. What should you do in such a case? The best way to ensure that you are drinking pure water from your tap is to use a water filter. Water filters come with different specifications and stages. The best way to choose a water filter is to get your water assessed from a lab, or you can contact a filter company to examine your water. You can then install the required water filter based on the results and get pure water from your tap.
The water filtration system is an economical, practical, and easiest way to get pure and hygienic water for drinking purposes. You can get countertop, faucet, pitcher, water-bottle filtration, 3, 5, 7 stage filtration, RO filtration system with UV light and water distillation systems to get pure water in your homes.
Bottled Water
Bottled water is a quick way to get your thirst quenched. Feeling thirsty, grab a bottle, and drink! Bottled water is found everywhere, in every grocery store, every 9-5, and every gas station. Bottled water is very famous because of its taste, ease of use, and hygiene. Most of the people drink bottled water as just a fashion statement.
Is it really worth the hype? We will find out after looking at the pros and cons of bottled water
Pros
Hygiene – Food and Drug Authority (FDA) has set the standards for water bottle companies. They have mentioned that all the water bottles must be processed and transported under strict sanitary conditions, and water sources must be protected from bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. Regular tests must be conducted to ensure that all water being sold is pure and fit for drinking purposes. On the other hand, research has shown that water is not ideal for storing water. We will discuss this point in the cons section below.
Taste – Bottled water taste is better and consistent as compared to tap water. The reason is that this water is treated at plants with the same ingredients every time. Some people drink bottled water for just a consistent taste.
Cons
Plastic Contamination and Health Issues – Plastic can dissolve in water if the water is kept in it for a long time. It can contaminate water with microplastics, which poses serious health risks. It can interfere with hormone production in your body, cause stomach problems, and may lead to cancer in a very few cases. A research conducted by the name of Synthetic Polymer Contamination in Bottled Water has shown that around 93% of water bottles are contaminated with microplastics in 9 different countries, including the US.
Weight Gain – The hormonal imbalance can also lead to weight gain in people who drink bottled water. It may happen in rare cases, but the hormonal imbalance can lead to either weight gain or rapid weight loss.
Costly – Bottled water is expensive as compared to tap water. It costs around 9$ per gallon. You can very well estimate that a household consuming around 10 gallons of bottled water is paying too much as compared to a family using the same amount of tap water even with a water filter.
Negative Environmental Impacts – Every time you buy a plastic bottle, you contribute negatively to our environment. Millions of water bottles are thrown away every day in the US; these empty bottles end up in water sources, landfills, or contribute to the garbage in the streets. The processing and transporting of water bottles also use energy and gasoline, which leads to further downgrading of the environment.
Conclusion – Which is better: Tap Water or Bottled Water?
After looking at the pros and cons of tap water and bottled water and other facts, we are in a position to conclude that tap water is better than bottled water. The reasons are simple and manifold. It is hygienic, cheap and convenient, does not harm the environment, and is strictly monitored by the Federal Government for quality assurance. Tap water, however, reaches your home through an aging infrastructure, and polluted water pipes. The best way to get rid of all the bacteria, viruses, sediments, and other contaminants like industrial solvents, pharmaceuticals, and heavy metals is to install a water filter. This news article published on the National Geographic website will more clearly elaborate on why tap water is a better option than bottled water. But, remember, play it safe, use a water filter with your tap water.
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