When you turn on the tap or reach for a bottle of water, you're likely not considering the possible pollutants that may be within. Tap water in many regions is rigorously tested and treated to remove contaminants and pathogens, making it safe to drink. However, some may still opt for filtered water, which goes through additional purification processes to remove various impurities, potentially improving the taste, quality, and overall safety.
For some people the choice between filtered water and tap water can be influenced by your local water supply's quality, personal health concerns, or environmental considerations. Filtered water devices, ranging from simple pitchers with carbon filters to complex under-sink or whole-house systems, aim to enhance water quality by reducing contaminants such as chlorine, lead, and other chemicals. On the other hand, tap water is not only a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option, but it also typically contains essential minerals beneficial to your health that may be reduced in filtered water.
Understanding Tap Water vs. Filtered Water
When considering the quality and health implications of tap vs filtered water, it is important to understand the safety measures, environmental impacts, and filtering efficacies in your area. Your choice can even go beyond an individuals health and have lasting effects to the environment.
Quality and Safety of Tap Water
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates strict testing and regulations to ensure tap water safety. However, tap water may still contain varying levels of contaminants such as chemicals, bacteria, lead, typically from pipes, and other substances like nitrates and pesticides. Incidents like the one in Flint, Michigan, have proven the potential risks within public water systems in developed cities.
Health Implications of Drinking Water
Drinking water, whether tap or filtered, is essential for your health and hydration. However, tap water can contain microorganisms like Cryptosporidium and chemicals that are linked to health issues. Filtered water often removes these to provide potentially safer drinking options, particularly for those who are vulnerable, such as pregnant women, individuals with compromised immune systems, and individuals with chronic skin conditions.
Environmental Considerations
The choice between tap and filtered water also has an environmental impact. Bottled water increases plastic waste in landfills and requires significant energy for transportation and refrigeration. Conversely, using a water filter at home and using a refillable canteen lessens reliance on plastic bottles, reducing the potential of everlasting affects on the environment.
Filtering Methods and Their Efficacies
Various filters like activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and distillation come with differing capabilities. Activated carbon filters can improve taste by removing chlorine, while reverse osmosis can filter out viruses and nitrates and UV light filtration destroys harmful microorganisms without altering the water's pH or mineral content. It's important to choose a filtration system based on the specific contaminants you need to remove or may have more serious affects towards you or your family.
Remember to select a filter certified by the NSF International or another reputable body to ensure it meets appropriate standards for removing specific contaminants.
Comparing Costs and Convenience
In most cases when you choose between tap water and bottled water, your decision often depends on two key factors: the costs involved and the overall convenience. Both factors play a significant role in determining whether to drink from the tap or purchase bottled options.
Economic Consideration
The cost of drinking water can fluctuate depending on whether you opt for tap or bottled water. Bottled water can be expensive and even more so depending on where you live. However on average combining single-serving bottles to match one gallon can cost around $9.47. In contrast, a gallon of tap water in the United States costs roughly $0.005. If you're looking for a cost-effective alternative, using filtered tap water can be cheaper in the long run, especially after the initial purchase of a filtration system. The regular expenses would largely be your water bill and/or maintenance costs for the filter..
| Type of Water | Initial Cost | Recurring Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bottled Water | None | $9.47 per gallon |
| Tap Water | None | $0.005 per gallon |
| Filtered Tap | Filtration System | Minimal: water bill + filter maintenance |
Accessibility and Availability
Bottled water is often praised for its convenience and availability, ready to grab on the go, and typically chilled. However, this convenience comes with the cost of constant buying, more plastic in the environment, and the need for refrigeration. Tap water, on the other hand, is readily available in your home and can be made more palatable by using a filter, adding ice, or a slice of lemon. Advance planning allows tap water to provide both economic and environmental benefits.
- Bottled Water: High availability, requires transportation and refrigeration.
- Tap Water: Home availability, benefits from refrigeration or added ice.
Consumer Preferences and Water Consumption
Your drinking habits may inform your choice between tap and bottled water. In taste tests, some people might prefer bottled water, which can include varieties like mineral water and flavored water, while others might not discern a significant difference when drinking safe, filtered tap water. If the taste is a concern, a filtration system can improve the taste of tap water, often making it comparable to bottled options. Remember that filtered tap water can be considered healthier, as you control the quality and presence of contaminants, and possibly even adjust the pH level to your preference.
- Taste Preference: Filtered tap water can match the taste of bottled water.
- Health Consideration: Filtration can remove contaminants for safer drinking water.