14 DAY TRIAL // The issue of choosing between bottled and tap water has often been discussed but it seems that, no matter the pro and con arguments brought to the table, many still prefer bottled water over what is seen as an “inferior” alternative for it, tap water. However, before deciding in favor of the bottled version, we might as well consider that tap water is actually healthier, as FitSugar informs.
Citing previous studies and health warnings, FitSugar points out that there are more aspects that tip the scale in the favor of tap water, other than environmental concerns. For starters, the water we get at the kitchen tap, for instance, is healthier because its impurities and bacteria content is strictly regulated and controlled (as it is stipulated by law), whereas companies that bottle water do not apply the same restrictions to their product. What this means, in other words, is that tap water goes through more tests than bottled water, which, in turn, translates into healthier, purer water.
“Tap water is highly regulated. It is regularly checked for traces of E. coli and fecal coliform bacteria. The FDA doesn’t hold the same rules for bottled water. Tap water must be tested for coliform bacteria 100 or more times a month. Bottled water companies are only required to test once a week. Tap water must be tested by government-certified labs. The same requirements for bottled water companies don’t exist.” FitSugar says.
Also on the same line of though, tests that are run on tap water are performed in government-certified labs, which can only speak in favor of the accuracy and usefulness of said tests. On the other hand, companies that bottle water are not in any way subject to the same requirements in that they are free to choose their own labs and, from here, there are several things that can go wrong. Speaking of companies that bottle water, FitSugar also points out that many of them are actually selling tap water labeled as “natural,” but that isn’t in any way different from the water we do the dishes in.
“Tap water is free, and a bottle of water typically costs at least $1, which adds up. In fact, 40 percent of bottled water is actually just tap water, so it’s a rip-off to pay for it. The bottles are also unhealthy. The chemical phthalate is added to the plastic to make it less brittle. When the plastic is heated (like in your car on a hot day), the chemical leaches into your water. Drinking this chemical has been linked to reproductive issues, liver problems, and an increased risk for certain types of cancer.” FitSugar says as a closing argument.
