I drink a ton of bottled water. The tap water tastes terrible in Arizona, and I also like the convenience that goes along with drinking bottled water. But recently I’ve learned that drinking bottled water is not necessarily my best option. First off, plastic bottles can leach plastic byproducts like BPA and phthalate into the water stored in them.
An additional news flash: many of the major brands of bottled water use tap water (that has gone through additional treatment steps) as their source. Like 25% or more! Hmmm…
When I began researching this topic, what I really wanted to learn is whether bottled water is safe—tap water or not, or is it at least safer than the water that we drink from the sink? Could be, because bottled water is regulated for safety, but then again, some bottled water that has been tested has been found to contain bacteria and chemical contaminants that measure above state standards. And the bottlers do not have to let the public know if their products have become contaminated—they just take them off of the shelf.
Okay, so what should the average bottled water addict do? First, check your drinking water quality with your water company—this is a matter of public record. If your drinking water comes from a well, you should have it tested annually. Your tap water might be your healthiest and cheapest option. Next, use a water filtration system if possible. And if you’re used to carrying a water bottle with you everywhere you go, you may want to invest in a glass bottle that you clean between uses, or you can even find stainless steel containers at your local market or online. Lastly, when you buy bottled water, look for brands that have NSF certification or belong to IBWA.
Oh, and one more important reminder, don’t leave bottled water in your car or reuse old plastic bottles. Invest in glass or stainless steel containers rather than plastic to store your water.
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