With California’s water issues, residents often wonder, “is filtered water better than bottled water?” In many cases, yes. But let’s explore this question a little deeper to get to the details as to why this is so …
Filtered Water
First, let’s consider filtered water. Water filtration systems — both reverse osmosis systems, and whole house filtration systems — are designed to remove impurities from your tap water. These impurities can include chemicals, as well as heavy metals and bacteria.
With these contaminants removed, filtered water is cleaner, healthier, and simply tastes better.
Additionally, most people may find that filtered water is more affordable than bottled water in the long run, particularly if they invest in a high-quality filtration system for their home.
Bottled Water
Bottled water is convenient, especially for people who are on the go, as they can purchase bottles of water at any time and in many locations. And bottled water is often marketed as being of a higher quality than tap water, with some brands claiming to be “spring water” or “mineral water.”
This perception of quality can be appealing to many consumers. However, EcoWatch has revealed that 64% of commercially bottled water is actually tap water. So, while convenient, it may be no better at all.
And the expense of buying bottled water all the time can be significant.
Potential Risks of Consuming Bottled Water
There also are possible risks and questions about the safety of drinking bottled water. They include:
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- Plastic Contamination: Many plastic water bottles contain harmful chemicals that can leach into the water. These chemicals include bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which, when consumed over time, can lead to serious health problems, such as reproductive issues, cancer, and hormone disruption.
- Microplastics: CleanWater.org reports that microplastics are present in 93% of bottled water. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that can be harmful if consumed over time, as they can accumulate in the body and potentially cause inflammation and other health problems.
- Bacterial Contamination: While bottled water is generally free of bacteria and other microorganisms, there is still a risk of contamination during the bottling process. If the bottling equipment is not properly cleaned or if the water is not treated appropriately, harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella can be present in the water.
Filtered Water is Better for You and Better for the Environment
It also is essential to consider the environmental impact of bottled water. According to the Container Recycling Institute, more than 60 million plastic bottles end up in landfills and incinerators every day … that’s almost 22 billion each year. Others end up polluting the ocean.
In contrast, water filtration systems do not generate any plastic waste. So, by drinking filtered water, you are minimizing this negative impact on the environment.
Also, the production of plastic bottles requires a significant amount of energy and resources, contributing to carbon emissions and other environmental concerns.
Filtered Water is the Overall Better Choice
As you can see, the evidence suggests that filtered water is a better choice overall. By investing in a high-quality filtration system, you can have access to clean, healthy drinking water while also helping the environment.
EcoWater of Central California offers a variety of installed drinking water systems to give you the better water you and your family deserve. We invite you to contact us today to learn more.
And if you do need to use bottled water away from home, please be sure to choose brands that prioritize sustainability and quality, and then dispose of your bottles responsibly.