Drinking bottled water is worse than drinking tap water

When it comes to getting your daily ration of water, you might think that the safest option is from a store-bought package, right? New research suggests that this is not true. In fact, tap water may be the safest option in most regions of the world. Reliance on bottled water causes significant health, financial and environmental costs, requiring urgent reassessment of its widespread use. In this article, we explain some of the main reasons behind this.

1- Environmental impact of plastic containers:

The production of bottled water plastic packaging results in huge amounts of waste. With one million bottles purchased every minute around the world, plastic water bottles are currently the second most common ocean polluter (after plastic bags only), accounting for 12% of all plastic waste. Very few of these packages are recycled, with most going to landfills, incinerators, oceans, and other ecosystems, where they take hundreds of years to decompose. When degraded in the environment, they release tiny plastic particles that can infiltrate the food chain.

On the other hand, the manufacture of plastic packaging requires large amounts of fossil fuels and energy. The process of extracting raw materials and producing plastics creates a significant carbon footprint. In addition, bottled water production consumes huge amounts of fresh water (a single plastic bottle requires between 17 and 35 litres of water), which can strain local water supplies in water-scarce areas.

2- Cost:

Bottled water is much more expensive than tap water. However, studies have shown that in most cases, bottled water is not necessarily safer or better quality than tap water, making it an unnecessary expense for consumers. On the other hand, tap water is either free or available at a fraction of the cost of bottled water. In many countries, tap water is strictly regulated and regularly tested for safety and quality, often several times a day, making it a reliable and economical drinking option. In addition, in some cases, bottled water is just refilled tap water, with little or no additional treatment.

3- Health concerns:

Harmful chemicals can be migrated from plastic packaging into the water they contain, especially when exposed to heat or sunlight. Of these substances what causes endocrine disorders and can interfere with the function of hormones. It is estimated that between 10 and 78 percent of bottled water samples contain contaminants, including microplastics and other materials used to make plastic more durable. Human microplastic contamination is associated with oxidative stress, immune system disorder, and changes in lipid levels. Stagnant water in containers may also become a hotbed for germ growth. Tap water is usually drunk fresh, reducing this risk.

4- Sustainability issues:

The bottled water industry often uses natural freshwater sources such as springs and aquifers, which can deplete local water supplies. In areas where water resources are already under pressure, extracting water for bottling can exacerbate water scarcity, affecting communities and ecosystems. Bottled water, on the other hand, is often transported over long distances, whether by truck by road, ships by sea, or airplane, contributing to global greenhouse gas emissions. Tap water reaches homes and businesses directly through existing infrastructure, requiring far less energy for transportation and reducing its carbon footprint.

5- Global access to water and equality:

The bottled water industry has been criticized for promoting the commodification of water, turning a basic human right into a for-profit product. This practice can divert attention and resources from improving public water systems, especially in developing countries where access to clean water is limited. Prioritizing public investment in safe and reliable tap water infrastructure ensures that all people have access to affordable drinking water. Safe and accessible tap water provides the public with a fairer solution for water distribution.

6- Rest vs. habit:

One of the main reasons people choose bottled water is its convenience. It's readily available in stores and vending machines, making it a quick choice for people on the go. However, many of the same benefits can be achieved by using reusable water bottles and filtered tap water, which provide the same comfort without the environmental and economic downsides. Switching to reusable water bottles filled with tap water is a sustainable option. In many areas, tap water in the home can be filtered if necessary, ensuring safety and taste. This simple change in behavior can have a significant positive impact on reducing plastic waste and preserving natural resources.

While bottled water may be convenient, its environmental impact, cost, and potential health concerns make it a less convenient option compared to tap water in most cases. Tap water, especially in areas where it is well regulated and treated, is a more sustainable, economical and equitable option. Reducing our dependence on bottled water and investing in improving public water systems can greatly benefit the environment and society, while ensuring safe drinking water for future generations.