The trickle of bottled water manufacturers has now turned into a torrent and in a bid to eat into new markets several manufacturers have started to frighten people by advertising that their water is safer than tap water. However, before you drop that glass of tap water and run to stores that sell bottled water, read between the spaces so as to know which water wins in tap versus bottled water.
Bottled water that is manufactured and packed into small and large bottles can be found in most stores where it is sold by the bottle and also in cases. This water could be from a mountain spring or from a well deep below the ground and could contain vital minerals and nutrients that could be beneficial to your health. However, due to lax rules and health regulations around the world regarding bottled water, it could just as easily be re-filtered tap water or even water taken from hazardous sources such as from the ground or lake next to a polluting company. The water is usually filtered through many processes such as reverse osmosis, ozone filtration, and even passed through ultraviolet rays and activated charcoal and carbon filters so as to remove most chemicals, micro-organisms and heavy metals.
However, not all manufacturers are picky about the quality of water supplied and you could end up with a bottle of water that might contain even more harmful contaminants as compared to your tap water. The small bottles itself require millions of gallons of oil to manufacture and once empty pose a mammoth environmental hazard as they do not decompose easily in landfills and emit toxic smoke if burnt. Tap water is certainly better in almost all respects including the price that you pay as bottled water costs much more. Most local authorities also add essential minerals and chemicals to tap water so as to provide healthier water to its residents. One example is fluoride, which helps in the development of healthy bones and teeth, especially in young children.
If you are inclined towards drinking bottled water then buying 3 to 5 gallon bottles of purified water and then using a dispenser to supply that water makes for ecological and economical sense. The water uses large bottles that are reusable and does not cost as much as small bottles of water. You can also use an in-line filter along with a dispenser to come up with hot or cold water or can simply collect water in a pitcher or bottle and keep it in your fridge for future use. Companies such as vitapur can offer various full-size and tabletop dispensers to fulfill your drinking water needs without any problem.
Most countries have strict filtering and monitoring processes in place for tap water and if you are sure of the quality of tap water in your home then you need not buy bottled water unless you are traveling to places where the water is suspect. However, bottled water in small bottles is definitely not the right answer to drinking water problems since to could simply be tap water that is filtered again and sold at exorbitant prices. The problem posed by empty bottles is another massive environmental nightmare that needs thinking. In the debate between tap versus bottled water you will certainly pay more in terms of money and the environment if you choose packaged bottled water.