The researchers found no significant differences in the overall mineral content of water extracted from sampling locations across the United States. The taste of tap water can differ depending on the amounts and ratios of minerals dissolved in it. For instance, high levels of iron may give your water a metallic taste. Even water considered safe can contain traces of contaminants in amounts not deemed to be dangerous for human health. The Environmental Protection Agency EPA has limits on more than 90 potential substances that may be unsafe for humans.
For example, the limit for arsenic is 10 parts per billion. According to the EPA , water can be contaminated with various types of pollutants that may make it unsafe. Tap water can contain microorganisms like bacteria or parasites that make you sick.
Cryptosporidium , E. Both human-made and natural chemicals can make their way into drinking water. Pesticides, bleach, and bacterial toxins are some of the potential things that can have harmful health effects. Other chemicals like bisphenol-A and pharmaceuticals are also sometimes detected in groundwater sources.
Often these chemicals are filtered before reaching your tap. Radioactive elements chemicals like uranium, cesium, plutonium are sometimes detected in drinking water. These elements can emit ionizing radiation that can harm cells in your body and raise your risk of developing cancer.
Other types of ionizing radiation people are exposed to include X-rays and ultraviolet light. Heavy metals like arsenic, mercury, or lead can enter your water supply through plumbing and service lines as well as through natural mineral deposits.
Children, babies, and fetuses have less blood volume than adults, and contaminants like heavy metals can have a greater effect on them. People who are immunocompromised may be more vulnerable to bacteria and parasites. Congress enacted the Safe Drinking Water Act in to ensure the quality of public water systems in the United States. All public water systems follow guidelines set by the EPA. The EPA says that more than 13 million homes in the United States get their water from private wells.
Most of the time, your local health authority will send out an alert if your water supply becomes contaminated.
In very rare cases, contaminants may enter public water systems and go unnoticed. Like in the United States, Canadian drinking water goes through rigorous safety standards and is generally safe to drink. Even in areas where water is purified, water can often be contaminated by pipes or water holding tanks.
Travelers are often recommended to buy bottled water in Mexico. Consumer access to bottled water information and contaminant levels is limited compared with the tap water disclosure requirements required by the EPA. Some people may prefer the taste of bottled water. However, as mentioned above, studies tend to show that the majority of people cannot tell the difference between tap and bottled water.
When purchasing bottled water, people may wish to consider the source. A lot of bottled water is simply filtered tap water. Water that comes from an underground source or fresh spring will carry one of the following FDA-approved labels :.
People may also wish to choose bottled water if they prefer flavored or sparkling water. Many water brands sell citrus- or berry-flavored water, for example. Sparkling water is a popular alternative to still. According to some estimates , bottled water is almost 2, times the price of tap water, with a gallon — obtained from combining single-serve water bottles — costing almost three times the national average for a gallon of milk.
One reason that people choose bottled over tap water despite the cost difference may be that it can be more convenient to have a bottle to hand when out and about — especially if there is no access to a faucet. Research indicates that the bottling, refrigeration, and transportation processes associated with water, as well as the disposal of plastic bottles after use, cause a wide range of adverse environmental effects far greater than those of tap water.
For example, in , the bottling of water in the U. This process required an estimated energy input equal to approximately 64 million barrels of oil. According to nonprofit organization Container Recycling Institute , every day in the U. The majority of these bottles make their way into landfills and waterways, or they litter the streets.
Some people try to reuse plastic water bottles in a bid to offset some of the environmental impacts. This may pose risks in the long-term, however, including the risk of bacterial growth and the risk of toxins leaching from the bottle. Overall, it appears that tap water is a better option in most cases. It is convenient, free or inexpensive, and has much less of an environmental impact than bottled water. Tap water is also just as safe as bottled water, and most people will not be able to tell the difference in taste.
Occasionally, bottled water may be more convenient or readily available than tap water. To remedy this, people can carry a reusable bottle of tap water with them and refill it from public drinking water facilities when necessary. Those who prefer the taste of bottled water may wish to try a water filter.
After all, a lot of bottled water is actually just filtered tap water. Or, people can try adding ice and slices of fruit to their tap water to improve its flavor. Some people need to take extra precautions with their drinking water, especially if they have weaker immune systems, are pregnant, or are older.
These individuals should discuss their concerns with a doctor, who may advise them to drink certain bottled waters, or to boil their tap water before consumption. The type of water a person chooses will depend on many factors, including their preferences and concerns. Overall, however, it seems that tap water consumption is much better for the environment, poses fewer health risks, and tastes very similar to bottled water — especially if filtered.
Quirky Questions: Do I really need to drink 8 glasses of water per day? The city obtains 90 percent of its source water from areas vulnerable to depletion and contamination. Most healthy people can drink tap water without any issue.
But certain groups are more susceptible to adverse health effects if water becomes contaminated. These include:. Bottled water may be a good temporary solution if your tap water is contaminated, but only if you choose a brand of verified quality.
The FDA regulates bottled water as a food, which means it requires identification of the source and regulates allowable levels of contaminants, requires good manufacturing practice standards for boiling and bottling, and regulates labeling. You may also want to consider the environmental impact a long-term bottled water habit can have: Aside from the energy and fuel involved in manufacturing bottles, about 75 percent of bottles end up in landfills, lakes, and oceans, where they fail to decompose.
If your tap water supply is not in danger, consider purchasing a refillable bottle instead. Filters and bottled water are about the same in terms of safety and cleanliness. There are four main types:. Also be sure the filter is independently certified by the Public Health and Safety Organization or a similar organization. Finally, maintain the filter at least as often as the manufacturer recommends.
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