
Is bottled water better than tap water?
Question: Is bottled water better than tap water?
Answer: Water quality of bottled water varies widely. Many companies literally bottle tap water, meaning you are drinking unfiltered water that is representative of the region in which the bottled water was bottled. The term "spring water" can also be deceiving. Just because the water was drawn from a spring does not mean it has been filtered or is better for you than tap water.
Some companies filter their water, and some add in supplements or flavorings or electrolytes—these are the expensive bottles of "enhanced water" you see on the top shelf of the grocery store.
What You Can Do
If you are regularly buying bottled water, you'll want to check out the source of the water. Look for the words "filtered" on the packaging. No "filtered" listed? Don't buy it. It's no better than tap water in the area it is produced.
Keep in mind there are various levels of water filtration also. The very best way to ensure your family is drinking pure water is to invest in a high end filtration system and bottle your own water. While it's an investment up front, you will actually save money in the long run by bottling your own water and using reusable water bottles. It's better for your family, better for the environment (less plastic bottle waste), and better for your long term budget.
Learn More
Learn about the quality of water in bottled water.
Calculate out the cost effectiveness of investing in a water filtration system.