I was watching CBS Evening News tonight (I usually watch NBC but the local NBC station was staying with local coverage of potential tornadoes in Osceola County. I don't live in Osceola County so I switched the channel.) There was a segment devoted to the safety of bottled water verses tap. It pretty much exposed the truth..bottled water is not better.Yes, I knew it. I drink tap water, whether it's the filtered system at work or the regular tap water I use at home to make Crystal Light, I have long known it was silly to pay extra for bottled water that was no better than what was available for free.
Here's some stats I found when researching this:
Tap Water Regulated by EPA | Bottled Water Regulated by FDA |
Cannot have confirmed E. coli or fecal Coliform bacteria. | A certain amount of any bacteria is allowed. |
Filtered and/or disinfected | No federal filtration or disinfection requirements. |
Violation of drinking water standards are grounds for enforcement. | Bottled water in violation of standards can still be sold. |
Utilities must have their water tested by certified labs. | Such testing is not required for bottlers. |
Tap water results must be reported to state or federal officials. | There are no reporting requirements for bottlers. |
Water system operators must be certified. | Bottled water plant operators do not have to be certified. |
Water suppliers must issue consumer confidence reports annually. | There are no public right-to-know requirements for bottlers. |
Costs pennies a day | Costs $.80 to $4.00 per gallon. |
Contains essential nutrients for the body such as calcium and iron. | Natural minerals are removes by filtration. |
Chlorine residual in water to prevent bacteria growth. | No disinfectant present to kill bacteria in bottles. |