Safe Drinking Water: Bottled, Tap, or Filtered—What's Best for You?

Opinion
23 Sep 2024 • 5:30 PM MYT
Rumman Kamran
Rumman Kamran

A student who's passionate about writing current issues and helping others

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D, C. (2022, March 14). Why is Safe Drinking Water Important for Your Health? (Credit: National Water Service)

Water is the most significant element in human life. The role it plays is crucial in numerous bodily functions, such as transporting nutrients to cells, eliminating waste, safeguarding joints and organs, and regulating body temperature. The question Is it safe the water you are drinking? Water – it's a simple concept, yet there is a vast array of options available for purchase. There’s purified water (tap water that’s been stripped of nutrients and may be added back in later), enhanced waters with minerals and electrolytes, alkaline water and spring or natural water. There’s your run-of-the-mill bottled water, but there’s also a load of health buzzwords to parse through. “We have the luxury of talking about the benefits of water where some folks (don’t) have any water,” says Caroline West Passarella, registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and spokesperson.

The presence of pollutants in our water can result in health problems such as digestive issues, issues with reproduction, and disorders of the nervous system. Infants, toddlers, expectant mothers, seniors, and individuals with weakened immune systems might have a higher chance of getting sick from consuming polluted water. For instance, increased levels of lead can lead to severe health issues, particularly for expectant mothers and young children. According to federal law, water systems must lower specific pollutants to designated levels to safeguard human health.

Is bottled water the best choice for drinking water, considering the potential risks of tap water? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no solid evidence that bottled water is safer than tap water. Bottled water sourced commercially still runs the risk of contamination during the bottling process. You might be surprised to discover the origins of some bottled water. Despite the label depicting pristine mountain scenery, the water inside could actually be from the same "local water supply" you are trying to avoid. Essentially, it has gone through the same water treatment facility as your tap water, albeit at a significantly higher cost.

If tap water or well water is possibly contaminated and bottled water is too expensive, what is the best course of action? The safest, healthiest, most environmentally friendly, and cost-effective solution is to install a high-quality water filter in your home. Although a home water filtration system may have a higher initial cost, you will benefit from affordable, clean water for many years after installation.

References:

CDC , UNR , USA Today


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