Drinking water is essential for a living, but choosing between tap water and bottled water can be confusing. Some say bottled water is cleaner, fresher, and better for your health. Others argue that tap water is just as good and is far more eco-friendly and cost-effective.
With so many opinions, it’s hard to know what to believe. Is bottled water really worth the extra cost? Is tap water as safe as it claims to be? And what about taste, quality, or long-term health effects?
To clear up the confusion, we’ve looked into the facts, compared the pros and cons, and clarified what really matters. We’ve discussed the facts about tap water vs bottled water by comparing their safety, purity, health effects, and cost.
What is in Tap Water?
Tap water usually comes from nearby sources such as lakes, rivers, reservoirs, or underground wells. But before it reaches your home, it goes through a complex treatment process to make sure it’s clean and safe to drink.
In most developed countries, tap water is highly regulated. For example, in the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards for over 90 contaminants, including bacteria, chemicals, and heavy metals. Similarly, in the UK, the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) oversees water quality, making sure safety standards are met across the country.
During treatment, tap water typically undergoes multiple steps like filtration, sediment removal, chemical disinfection (usually with chlorine or chloramine), and pH balancing. The goal is to eliminate harmful microorganisms and reduce substances that could pose health risks.
In many areas, certain minerals are intentionally added to tap water to improve public health. Fluoride is often added to help prevent tooth decay. According to the CDC, fluoridated water reduces cavities by 25% in children and adults. Calcium and magnesium may naturally occur or be present due to water sources, contributing to what’s known as “hard water” and offering some benefits for bone health.
However, not all tap water is the same everywhere. Water quality can depend on where you live, the condition of your local infrastructure, and how your water is treated. In cities with aging plumbing systems, lead contamination can be a concern. In fact, the EPA estimates that around 6 to 10 million homes in the U.S. still receive water through lead service lines, which can leach dangerous levels of lead into drinking water if not properly treated.
Because of these concerns, many people choose to take extra precautions, such as using filtered water bottles or pitchers to remove lead, chlorine taste, or other impurities. However, for a more comprehensive approach, reverse osmosis filtration provides one of the most effective ways to eliminate contaminants and ensure cleaner, safer drinking water.
What is in Bottled Water?
Bottled water may seem like the cleaner, safer, or healthier option, but what’s actually inside that bottle might surprise you.
Bottled water can come from different sources. Some brands use natural springs or artesian wells, while others simply filter and repackage tap water. In fact, according to the studies, 64% of bottled water is tap water, sometimes treated further but not always significantly better than what flows from your kitchen faucet.
Unlike tap water, which is heavily regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), bottled water is overseen by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA’s standards for bottled water are often less strict than the EPA’s rules for tap water. However, in some cases, bottled water may not be tested for contaminants as frequently or as thoroughly as public tap water.
Comparing Bottled water vs Tap water
Taste
Both of the water tasted different. The difference usually comes due to the source and treatment process. Bottled water usually goes through filtration methods like reverse osmosis or distillation, which removes the impurities and sometimes minerals. Then, many brands add minerals like calcium or magnesium to enhance the flavor. That’s why some bottled waters taste smoother, slightly salty, or sweet; it depends on the added minerals and the water source.
Tap water, on the other hand, varies by region. Some areas have hard water means they have more minerals, while others have soft water. Find out more about the difference between hard and soft water.
Safety
Both bottled and tap water are generally considered safe, but each has its pros and cons when it comes to health.
Tap water in most developed countries is regulated by strict rules. In the U.S., public tap water is monitored more frequently than bottled water. However, tap water can still be a risk if your home has old plumbing systems with lead pipes, which can mix lead into the water. In such cases, we recommend you install a home filtration system or test your water supply.
The FDA regulates bottled water, but studies have shown that it’s not necessarily safer. A major concern is microplastics. A 2018 study published in Frontiers in Chemistry found that 93% of bottled water samples contained microplastic particles, some smaller than a strand of human hair. These tiny plastics come from the water bottles themselves, and while research is ongoing, the long-term health effects are still unclear. So, while both are technically safe, tap water with a good filter may actually be a cleaner and healthier choice.
Environmental Impact
Tap water is more eco-friendly than bottle water. According to National Geographic, one million plastic bottles are purchased every minute globally, but only 30% are recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, oceans, and waterways, where decomposing can take 400+ years.
Producing bottled water also uses 17 million barrels of oil annually in the U.S. alone, just for the plastic bottles. Add transportation emissions and packaging waste, and the environmental cost becomes enormous.
Tap water, on the other hand, requires no single-use plastic, minimal energy, and no transportation beyond your local pipes. If you are concerned about this, then you can use a filter water bottle.
Cost
Tap water is super cheap. In fact, in the U.S., it costs less than a penny for a whole gallon. On the other hand, bottled water usually costs about $1.50 for just one small bottle. That means bottled water is over 600 times more expensive than tap water.
If you drink tap water for a whole year, it might cost you only around $1.50. But if you drink bottled water every day, you could end up spending more than $1,000 a year. That’s a huge difference, especially for something you can get almost for free at home. So, if you want to save money, using tap water with a reusable or filtered bottle is a smart and budget-friendly choice.
Tap Water vs Bottled Water- Comparison
| Feature | Tap Water | Bottled Water |
| Source | Local sources like lakes, rivers, or underground wells | Natural springs, wells, or treated tap water |
| Regulation | Strictly regulated by government agencies (e.g., EPA, DWI) | Regulated by FDA, but less strict than tap water |
| Taste | Varies by region (due to minerals or chlorine) | Often filtered or enhanced with added minerals |
| Cost | Very cheap (around $0.002 per gallon) | Expensive (average $1.50 per bottle) |
| Health & Safety | Generally safe; risks if pipes are old (e.g., lead) | Risk of microplastics and chemical leaching from plastic bottles |
| Environmental Impact | Eco-friendly, no plastic waste | Contributes to plastic pollution; low recycling rates |
| Convenience | Always available at home or public places | Portable but creates more waste |
| Mineral Content | Contains natural minerals (calcium, magnesium, fluoride) | Removed minerals |
| Storage | No packaging waste, doesn’t expire | Packaged in plastic; shelf life may vary |
| Annual Cost Estimate | $1.50 per year | Can exceed $1,000 per year |
Find out more about the differences between types of water.
FAQs
1- Does bottled water have fluoride?
Some bottled water contains fluoride, but many brands remove it during purification. Always check the label to know for sure.
2- How long is bottled water good for?
Unopened bottled water can last up to 1–2 years. However, it’s best stored in a cool, dark place away from heat or sunlight.
3- Is bottled water safe?
Yes, bottled water is generally regulated and safe to drink. However, concerns about microplastics and chemical leaching still exist.
4- How safe is your drinking water?
Drinking water safety depends on your local supply and plumbing system. Regular testing and filtration can improve safety.
6- Is drinking tap water safe?
In most developed countries, tap water is safe and strictly regulated. However, using a filter adds an extra layer of protection, especially in older homes.
Conclusion
Most of the time, tap water is the best choice. It’s cheaper, environmentally friendly, and in most cases, just as safe as bottled water. However, if you’re traveling to areas where tap water is questionable, bottled water might be a safer option. If you prefer bottled water for taste, using a filter water bottle can provide the same benefits while reducing plastic waste.
