What is the Difference Between Bottled Water and Tap Water?

The main differences between bottled water and tap water lie in their sources, regulation, cost, and environmental impact. Here is a comparison of the two:

Sources:

• Bottled water comes from various sources, such as tap water, fresh spring water, artesian well water, mineral water, and well water.
• Tap water is sourced from public water systems, which are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Regulation:

• Tap water in most big cities must be disinfected, filtered to remove pathogens, and tested for cryptosporidium and giardia viruses. Bottled water does not have to be.
• Both tap water and bottled water are tested regularly for bacteria and most synthetic organic chemicals, but tap water is typically assessed more frequently.
• The federal government does not require bottled water to be safer than tap water.

Cost:

• Tap water is generally less expensive than bottled water.
• Bottled water costs approximately 300 times more than tap water.

Environmental Impact:

• Tap water has a lower environmental impact than bottled water, as it does not require plastic or other disposable containers that may end up in landfills.

Despite these differences, the safety and quality of both tap water and bottled water are subject to strict regulations, and both are generally safe for consumption. However, tap water is generally considered the better option due to its lower cost and environmental impact.

Comparative Table: Bottled Water vs Tap Water

Here is a table comparing bottled water and tap water:

Despite the perception that bottled water is safer and better-tasting than tap water, both generally meet the same quality standards and are regulated by different government agencies. Tap water is often more affordable and environmentally friendly, while bottled water can be more expensive and contribute to plastic pollution. In blind taste tests, most people cannot tell the difference between bottled water and tap water.