Bottled water is everywhere you look these days. It is recommended that we drink eight 8-oz. glasses of water each day to keep our bodies hydrated.
But which is really better for you: bottled water or tap water?
Let's review what we know about the advantages and disadvantages of both bottled water and tap water before we jump to a conclusion that one is better than the other.
Advantages of Bottled Water
Convenience
One of the biggest selling points for bottled water is the convenience that it offers. It's nice to know that you can have a good supply of water to drink when you are in your car, hiking or nearly anywhere. Without the option of bottled water on hand, many people end up reaching for the nearest soda or juice as an alternative to quench their thirst. We all know water is much better than these alternatives.
Clean and Regulated
The Food and Drug Administration in the United Stated regulates bottled water production, so you can rest assured that the water in your bottle is free and clear of any contaminants. Bottled water can be kept on hand for use during times when water lines may be disrupted, such as during a natural disaster.
Disadvantages of Bottled Water
Expensive
Bottled water, when used frequently, can be an added expense that some cannot afford. It definitely costs more to drink bottled water than it does to fill a glass in your sink.
Wasteful
A common argument against bottled water is that it is wasteful. When the water is gone, the bottle remains. Around 90% of bottled water bottles end up in the trash, which is not good for the environment. One way to help combat this is to recycle your bottle every time you drink a bottle of water.
Advantages of Tap Water
More Cost-efficient
It costs much less to fill a glass of water in your sink than it does to purchase a bottle of water.
Government Regulated
Tap water is frequently checked for any traces of E. Coli and other bacteria. It must be tested for the coliform bacteria at least 100 or more times per month. Bottled water, while regulated, is checked less frequently.
Better for the Environment
With no plastic bottles to dispose of, drinking tap water is better for the environment. You can be certain that no remnants of tap water will be found in landfills across the country.
Fluoride
Tap water contains fluoride, which is beneficial, especially for children, in dental care.
Disadvantages of Tap water
Chemicals Used To Clean
Some of the chemicals found in tap water are lead and chlorine. The easiest way to ensure your drinking water is safer is to use a water filtering system to filter out these common chemicals.
Contamination
Tap water faucets and water fountains can be contaminated with germs linked to multiple users. The best defense against this is to clean your faucets frequently.
We listed more advantages to using tap water than to drinking bottle water; however, that doesn't mean tap water is necessarily the best for everyone. Some prefer the clean, cool taste of a bottle of water and the convenience it offers. Others prefer the more cost-effective option of using tap water. One thing for is certain: we all need water--our preferred method of how to drink it is our own decision.
Author Bio:
Guest post contributed by Victoria, for Glebe Dental Group. Victoria is a and freelance writer. She enjoys writing about the basics of health and wellness.
