Bottled Water Vs. Tap: Which Is More Healthy?

Water is vital to human health, making up roughly 60 percent of body weight, including 70 percent of the brain, 90 percent of the lungs and roughly 80 percent of blood supply. Staying adequately hydrated is essential to healthy function, and water is often the preferred source of liquid in the diet, providing hydration without adding calories. But the quality of the water you drink matters, since contaminants can lead to issues such as reproductive, neurological and gastrointestinal problems. When it comes to choosing between tap water and bottled water, however, the healthiest option depends on the source.

Healthiest Option

In the majority of circumstances, bottled water and tap are comparably healthy. While one may be more convenient or better suit your taste buds, both are regulated for safety, according to the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point. In fact, roughly 25 percent of bottled water is actually tap water that comes from a municipal water supply. As far as the environment is concerned, however, bottled water is the less green of your options. For example, bottled water may travel thousands of miles to get to your local grocer, and the average recycling rate for plastic water bottles hovers around 27 percent annually.

Tap Water Regulation

Both bottled and top water are regulated, although by different entities. The Environmental Protection Agency regulates tap water provided through public water suppliers. The Safe Drinking Water Act, passed in 1974, requires water suppliers to notify customers when contaminants are found in drinking water and mandates protective regulations for groundwater sources, according to the EPA. Any public system that serves at least 25 people is subject to regulation.

Bottled Water Regulation

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates bottled water sold in interstate commerce. Bottled water guidelines are based on tap water regulations set by the EPA. The FDA requires that bottled water be safe and handled under sanitary conditions during processing, bottling, storage and transport. Just as the EPA establishes cutoff levels for contaminants allowed in the water supply, the FDA sets allowable levels for bottled water. Any samples found to contain contaminant levels in excess of the standard must include a statement on the label identifying the problem, whether it be excessive bromate or bacteria or other contaminants. However, products found to contain a level of contaminant considered hazardous to health are not allowed.

Considerations

While tap water from public sources is regulated, well water needs to be tested for contaminants such as bacteria, nitrates, lead, radon gas and atrazine. Contact your state or local health department about water testing information. A water filtration system can help you fix odor and taste problems in your tap water. When opting for bottled water, refrigerate unused portions, since bacteria growth is likely if left in a warm environment after the seal is broken. Only refill reusable water bottles that have been thoroughly cleaned. If you have reduced immunity, choose water that has been treated against cryptosporidium with processes such as reverse osmosis, distillation or filtration with an absolute 1 micron filter, cautions the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.