Why Tap Water Is Better Than Bottled Water

Tap water is not only safe, but it’s often better than bottled water. Learn about the problems with bottled water and how to check the quality of your tap water:

Why Tap Water Is Better Than Bottled Water

• Bottled water is not typically safer than tap water. In fact, more than half of all bottled water comes from the tap.
   
• Buying bottled water is like pouring money down the drain. Bottled water costs from $0.89 per gallon to $8.26 per gallon, compared to fractions of a penny for water from your tap. That makes bottled water thousands of times more expensive than tap water.
   
• Water bottle garbage is a major source of pollution.
   
• Buying a reusable bottle is an easy way to save money and help the environment. 

Is My Tap Water Safe?

FACT: Bottled water is not "safer" than tap water.

Did you know that tap water is tested more frequently than bottled water? In fact, in the United States, our drinking water is continuously monitored and treated according to federal standards. If local tap water is unsafe then water companies are obligated, under federal law, to notify the public.

But My Tap Water Tastes Bad, What Should I Do?

• Odd tasting water does not necessarily mean that it is unhealthy or contaminated. The taste may be a result of chlorination or the mineral content in the water.
   
• Using a filter is an easy way to keep your water tasting great – and it’s much less expensive than buying bottled water.

How To Check Your Tap Water Quality

Contact your local water company to request a copy of the Annual Water Quality Report, also known as the Consumer Confidence Report. These reports are intended to help people make informed choices about their drinking water.