Bottled Water: Any Better Than Tap Water?

How many times have we heard of the health advice that, for good health reasons, a person has to consume no less than eight glasses of water each day? Many health experts, however, say that drinking at least five glasses of clean water each day is enough to replenish lost fluid and rejuvenate the body. This, of course, emphasizes the importance of making sure that the water we drink is truly free from any contaminants or impurities. This is the reason why many people turn to bottled water for the required rehydration and refreshment.

Drinking tap water has, time and again, raised serious questions from those who insist that water from the faucet may not at all be safe to drink because it constantly runs the risk of intrusion of various contaminants from outside sources or such factors that include failures of certain mechanisms at a water treatment facility to operate normally, well inundation caused by a heavy rainfall, or an accidental chemical spill. In addition, there is great concern that tap water is always vulnerable to corruption by infectious microorganisms.

With such concerns about the safety of drinking tap water, it is quite understandable why many people trust bottled water the more. However, those who put their faith in bottled water need to be aware that these high-priced products may not really be any better than the practically costless tap water. To ascertain the difference, the condition of the water coming out of your faucet and what are indicated on the bottled water's label should both be considered. The process of bottling water for drinking purposes is strictly regulated by health authorities, such that manufacturing practices, standards of quality, and labeling requirements are prescribed.