Bottled Water vs. Tap Water: The Facts Might Surprise You

As well know the world revolves around money. First, one should compare the cost of tap water (pennies a day) to the cost of bottled water, which varies from approximately 80 cents to four dollars a day. So, now the question becomes, is the extra cost of bottled water worth it? First, we'll examine the history and logistics of the water industry and lastly, we'll try an experiment that could save you money and provide adequate health benefits.

One needs to consider the fact that the bottled water and tap water industry are regulated by two different agencies. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) oversees the bottled water industry and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) governs America's tap water.

The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 first gave regulatory oversight to the EPA of public drinking water. And often times when the EPA sets new standards the FDA adopts the same policies. There are a lot of similarities between the two, but minor differences should not go unnoticed.

The major difference that bottled water advocates want consumers to embrace, and as recent sales show they have, is that bottles offer more water and less lead. With tap water it is not uncommon for lead to leach from the pipes into the water as it passes from the main source to our faucets. The EPA is aware of this and sets a standard of 15 parts per billion (ppb) or lower of lead in the water. The FDA appears to take this threat more seiously by requiring manufacturers to operate at a level of or lower than 5 ppb. Moves like this and other acts like the Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) seem to place bottled water a step ahead of its counterpart, tap water.