How much bottled water comes from tap

For example, mineral water has a distinct flavor depending on the types and levels of minerals present. Some people also prefer carbonated or flavored waters due to their unique taste. From treating and bottling to transportation and refrigeration, bottled water requires large amounts of energy. In fact, bottled water production in the United States used 4 billion pounds 1.

The energy input required to produce that amount is equal to 64 million barrels of oil Most end up in landfills or bodies of water 1. This is particularly problematic, as plastic bottles have been shown to release toxins as they degrade 20 , 21 , To minimize the ecological footprint of bottled water, some municipalities around the world have banned the sale of single-use plastic water bottles.

Additionally, some companies have researched making bottles with biodegradable materials, which may have fewer environmental effects One gallon 3. This not only means that bottled water is pricier than milk and gasoline but also nearly 2, times more expensive than tap water Plus, with a reusable water bottle, tap water can be just as convenient as bottled.

You can even add fresh fruit to create your own infused, flavored water. If safety or water quality is your main concern, consider purchasing a filtration system or filter pitcher instead of regularly buying bottled water.

All the same, there may be times when bottled water is better, especially if your drinking water supply is contaminated. Additionally, certain populations, such as those with compromised immune systems, may need to purchase certain kinds of bottled water or to boil tap water before drinking it Nonetheless, certain circumstances may make bottled water a necessity.

Although both tap and bottled water have pros and cons, tap water is generally the better option. You can use a home filter to increase water quality, or boost its flavor with slices of watermelon or cucumber. Ever wondered which water is best for hydration?

Researchers found that microplastics were present in every stool sample they tested. On average, they found 20 microplastic particles in every 10…. What to know about water filter pitchers and the mistake everyone makes with them. This article investigates the differences between purified, distilled and regular water to find out which one is the best choice for hydration.

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The 6 Best Antioxidant Supplements of supplements. The best of EcoWatch, right in your inbox. Sign up for our email newsletter! Research indicates that most bottled water contains microplastics, which may pose health risks.

One study , for example, tested 11 globally sourced brands of bottled water from nine different countries. These findings suggest that the contamination is at least partially due to the packaging process itself. Researchers are now starting to investigate the impact of these microplastics on human health. Microplastics appear to fall within the same category of endocrine-disrupting chemicals as obesogens , affecting human, animal, and marine metabolism, reproduction, oxidative stress , and several other factors.

Also, people with weakened immune systems should take special precautions with their drinking water, choosing bottled water that manufacturers have treated to protect against the parasite Cryptosporidium. Though FDA inspection of bottled water plants is rare, the FDA have recalled two bottled water brands due to contamination. Consumer access to bottled water information and contaminant levels is limited compared with the tap water disclosure requirements required by the EPA.

Some people may prefer the taste of bottled water. However, as mentioned above, studies tend to show that the majority of people cannot tell the difference between tap and bottled water. When purchasing bottled water, people may wish to consider the source. A lot of bottled water is simply filtered tap water. Water that comes from an underground source or fresh spring will carry one of the following FDA-approved labels :. People may also wish to choose bottled water if they prefer flavored or sparkling water.

Many water brands sell citrus- or berry-flavored water, for example. Sparkling water is a popular alternative to still. According to some estimates , bottled water is almost 2, times the price of tap water, with a gallon — obtained from combining single-serve water bottles — costing almost three times the national average for a gallon of milk. One reason that people choose bottled over tap water despite the cost difference may be that it can be more convenient to have a bottle to hand when out and about — especially if there is no access to a faucet.

Research indicates that the bottling, refrigeration, and transportation processes associated with water, as well as the disposal of plastic bottles after use, cause a wide range of adverse environmental effects far greater than those of tap water. For example, in , the bottling of water in the U. This process required an estimated energy input equal to approximately 64 million barrels of oil. According to nonprofit organization Container Recycling Institute , every day in the U.

The majority of these bottles make their way into landfills and waterways, or they litter the streets. Some people try to reuse plastic water bottles in a bid to offset some of the environmental impacts. This may pose risks in the long-term, however, including the risk of bacterial growth and the risk of toxins leaching from the bottle. Overall, it appears that tap water is a better option in most cases. It is convenient, free or inexpensive, and has much less of an environmental impact than bottled water.

Tap water is also just as safe as bottled water, and most people will not be able to tell the difference in taste. Occasionally, bottled water may be more convenient or readily available than tap water. To remedy this, people can carry a reusable bottle of tap water with them and refill it from public drinking water facilities when necessary.