5 reasons not to drink bottled water

It's expensive, wasteful and — contrary to popular belief — not any healthier for you than tap water.

By Chris BaskindMon, Mar 15 2010 at 12:04 PM EST

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BOTTLES, BOTTLES EVERYWHERE: Bottled water produces up to 1.5 million tons of plastic waste per year. (Photo: quinn.anya/Flickr)

Bottled water is healthy water — or so marketers would have us believe. Just look at the labels or the bottled water ads: deep, pristine pools of spring water; majestic alpine peaks; healthy, active people gulping down icy bottled water between biking in the park and a trip to the yoga studio.

In reality, bottled water is just water. That fact isn't stopping people from buying a lot of it. Estimates variously place worldwide bottled water sales at between $50 and $100 billion each year, with the market expanding at the startling annual rate of 7 percent.

Bottled water is big business. But in terms of sustainability, bottled water is a dry well. It's costly, wasteful and distracts from the brass ring of public health: the construction and maintenance of safe municipal water systems.

Want some solid reasons to kick the bottled water habit? We've rounded up five to get you started.

1) Bottled water isn't a good value

Take, for instance, Pepsi's Aquafina or Coca-Cola's Dasani bottled water. Both are sold in 20 ounce sizes and can be purchased from vending machines alongside soft drinks — and at the same price. Assuming you can find a $1 machine, that works out to 5 cents an ounce. These two brands are essentially filtered tap water, bottled close to their distribution point. Most municipal water costs less than 1 cent per gallon.

Now consider another widely sold liquid: gasoline. It has to be pumped out of the ground in the form of crude oil, shipped to a refinery (often halfway across the world), and shipped again to your local filling station.

In the U.S., the average price per gallon is hovering around $3. There are 128 ounces in a gallon, which puts the current price of gasoline at a fraction over 2 cents an ounce.

And that's why there's no shortage of companies that want to get into the business. In terms of price versus production cost, bottled water puts Big Oil to shame.

2) No healthier than tap water

In theory, bottled water in the United States falls under the regulatory authority of the Food and Drug Administration. In practice, about 70 percent of bottled water never crosses state lines for sale, making it exempt from FDA oversight.

On the other hand, water systems in the developed world are well-regulated. In the U.S., for instance, municipal water falls under the purview of the Environmental Protection Agency, and is regularly inspected for bacteria and toxic chemicals. Want to know how your community scores? Check out the Environmental Working Group's National Tap Water Database.

While public safety groups correctly point out that many municipal water systems are aging and there remain hundreds of chemical contaminants for which no standards have been established, there's very little empirical evidence that suggests bottled water is any cleaner or better for you than its tap equivalent.

3) Bottled water means garbage

Bottled water produces up to 1.5 million tons of plastic waste per year. According to Food and Water Watch, that plastic requires up to 47 million gallons of oil per year to produce. And while the plastic used to bottle beverages is of high quality and in demand by recyclers, over 80 percent of plastic bottles are simply thrown away.

That assumes empty bottles actually make it to a garbage can. Plastic waste is now at such a volume that vast eddies of current-bound plastic trash now spin endlessly in the world's major oceans. This represents a great risk to marine life, killing birds and fish which mistake our garbage for food.

Thanks to its slow decay rate, the vast majority of all plastics ever produced still exist — somewhere.

4) Bottled water means less attention to public systems

Many people drink bottled water because they don't like the taste of their local tap water, or because they question its safety.

This is like running around with a slow leak in your tire, topping it off every few days rather than taking it to be patched. Only the very affluent can afford to switch their water consumption to bottled sources. Once distanced from public systems, these consumers have little incentive to support bond issues and other methods of upgrading municipal water treatment.

There's plenty of need. In California, for example, the American Society of Civil Engineers estimated the requirement of $17.5 billion in improvements to the state's drinking water infrastructure as recently as 2005. In the same year, the state lost 222 million gallons of drinkable water to leaky pipes.

5) The corporatization of water

In the documentary film Thirst, authors Alan Snitow and Deborah Kaufman demonstrated the rapid worldwide privatization of municipal water supplies, and the effect these purchases are having on local economies.

Water is being called the "Blue Gold" of the 21st century. Thanks to increasing urbanization and population, shifting climates and industrial pollution, fresh water is becoming humanity's most precious resource.

Multinational corporations are stepping in to purchase groundwater and distribution rights wherever they can, and the bottled water industry is an important component in their drive to commoditize what many feel is a basic human right: the access to safe and affordable water.

What can you do?

There's a simple alternative to bottled water: buy a stainless steel thermos, and use it. Don't like the way your local tap water tastes? Inexpensive carbon filters will turn most tap water sparkling fresh at a fraction of bottled water's cost.

Consider taking Food and Water Watch's No Bottled Water Pledge. Conserve water wherever possible, and stay on top of local water issues. Want to know more? Start with the Sierra Club's fact sheet on bottled water.

Bottoms up!

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Enter your name 01/18/2012 10:40 AM

I was a server at Ryans steak House in Atlanta when bottled water 1st became popular. I did an experiment and asked my customers if they wanted Valley spring or mountain fresh, even though it was all tap they would sometimes ask for Valley Spring and say they dont like it. I would apologize and return with "Mountain Fresh" and they would say oh thats much better... lol it's all in our heads.

Albert 01/17/2012 00:37 AM

Be careful with these products. Dasani is loaded with Magnesium Sulfate and so is Danon. If you have a sulfur allergy you may have a really bad reaction.

Mem 01/10/2012 18:49 PM

Ok, that's all well and good, but working in London during the summer and going on the underground is HOT. And when this happens, you really wouldnt mind an ice cold bottle of evain. In fact, it's utter bliss. Bottled water is great, because of it's convienience. And the whole human rights thing, you could technically say that about food you buy from the supermarket - you need food to survive as well as water. Businesses operate to make money in return for providing a product, and i'm very.... More

cass. 01/10/2012 14:03 PM

It is pretty sad when gas is less expensive per ounce than bottled water. It is not that hard to buy a re-usable bottle with a filter, if you're that concerned.

Enter your name 12/10/2011 09:22 AM

Why are you buying something that is free? Is it not a human right to have water? Sorry I have stopped recently buying bottled water because it is an issue in so many ways. Garbage, hazardous materials,etc......

Anonymosity 12/06/2011 15:20 PM

Seriously this is the biggest QQ web blog I've ever seen. There is nothing wrong with bottled water. Like the poster below commented, go to third world countries and drink their water, and tell me how you feel after. (Provided you live through the experience.)

Anonymous 12/14/2011 18:27 PM

The point is we dont live in a 3rd world country and our water is fine to drink! It is one thing if you have issues with your tap water, but if your water is fine then why make the garbage! If you still disagree then take a college course in Enviornmental issues and you will quickly change your mind!

Anonymous 12/14/2011 11:32 AM

You need to get the documentary "TAPPED" and watch it. You might change your mind about bottled water.

fuzzy 12/03/2011 19:44 PM

How long will bottled water last if the seal isn't broken?

Tarrant Today 08:58 AM

Commercial bottled water bottled in the U.S. while following guidelines will be stamped for 2 years but should keep indefinitely as long as the seal isn't broken. After two years, it may start to lose quality as far as taste and appearance.

Josh 11/13/2011 11:55 AM

You don't have to go to poor countries, I have seen a flame coming out the faucet just because a gas well was perforated.

And I don't want to mention the lead. Other chemicals added, too depending where you live

tutrikil 10/24/2011 07:50 AM

Go to poorer countries, drink that tapped water and think about your article again, when you're waking up in the hospital...

Anonymous 01/09/2012 14:19 PM

true

Anonymous 11/12/2011 16:08 PM

well obiously in poorer countries their water systems are under developed thats why they boil water to drink...but in the u.s or other countries were the water systems are developed than it really dosent make a difference whether you drink it from the sink or buy yourself a bottle so think of that and im pretty sure it mentions about developed water systems not third world countries were the water is garbage and the water is under developed.

jadonwatson 11/15/2011 17:03 PM

well if any one is like me i buy bottled water becouse it tastes better not becouse it is helther

Anonymous 11/17/2011 11:10 AM

Its funny because bottled water is just filtered tap water. I laugh everytime someone says that cause its like..... just buy a filter!!!!.....DUH.

Anonymous 11/22/2011 17:09 PM

Not all bottled water is just filtered water!! I drink only Figi water because I enjoy the taste of it! I also have a filter on my faucet at home for things like cooking and our pets, I can assure you the filtered water does not taste the same as Fiji water!! So Im sorry but your theory is incorrect!!

Environmental Chem Student 12/01/2011 09:31 AM

Im sorry but actually Fiji water may taste better but its because they put in a lot of extra minerals and chemicals. I just did an experiment on Fiji water and well....filtered tap water is the way to go if you don't want to have all the extra stuff in the end.

Enter your name 10/14/2011 00:07 AM

It is a very good thing to inform people about these problems. If some people weren't so stubborn maybe by now, water bottles would no longer be a problem.

dan pontzious 10/13/2011 09:03 AM

i buy water from the glasher water machines in front of covent stores it say's is city water chargo filter revirces osmosas and ultra light treated for bacteral for .15 to .25 cent a gal.or .75 to 1.00for 5 gal. i buy about 1 gal a day for me and my dog use fro drinking and coffe do you think that they do all of that or is it a scam

rick d 10/13/2011 15:37 PM

hi dan, no its not a scam all water companies are watched by the authority's and have to apply what they say otherwise heavy fines apply. drinking bottled water is a healthy alternative yo tap water, tap water starts off clean and then passes through very old pipes and picks up all sorts of filth,rust bactiria, and dont forget if your tap water has chlorine through it ,this is one of the most deadly chemicals in the world
and if mixed with decomposing plant and animal materials there is.... More

SteveLondonDerry 09/11/2011 17:59 PM

The three most common reasons given by bottled-water drinkers are healthiness, purity and taste. As we'll get into later on, the first two reasons are somewhat misguided, and the third is open for debate. For a seemingly basic food product, bottled water has generated its share of controversy.

Anonymous 09/18/2011 01:09 AM

A bunch of tree huggers. How about all the people you put out of jobs by not drinking bottled water. By the way, bottled water is very FDA regulated and is much heathier and better tasting than most city water.

Anonymous 11/17/2011 11:17 AM

Actually the FDA is FEDERAL (DUH) and it only regulates bottled water that crosses OUTSIDE of state lines. Most bottled water is bottled and sold within state line. Most states especially in the northeastern US have at least 2 or 3 major bottling companies run by Pepsi, Coke, etc. So NO the FDA does not regulate bottled water. Read up on what the FDA does.....then you will learn. Municipal water has to be tested at least 300 times per month and more depending on population. I love bottled water.... More

Anonymous 10/27/2011 00:02 AM

yes, very little regulation...and if every time something bad needs to change and people make the argument that people will lose their jobs, then nothing will EVER change and we will keep digging ourselves into a pit of pollution and disease

Anonymous 09/19/2011 17:42 PM

It's regulated by ONE lady at the FDA.... Did you know that?

Anonymous 11/20/2011 16:44 PM

Is it one lady? I know that they are HIGHLY underrepresented and are overwhelmed to cover everything. For more information on where your bottled water comes from, how people living near the bottling plants are dying and unable to leave the hazards teh plants create, and about the FDA, watch the startling documentary "Tapped" it's quite good and well done and has been what turned me away from bottled water!

louis Today 18:18 PM

bottled water espensive?? I drink three gallons of water each week,that's 2€ (less than 2 dollars)

I use more tap water than bottled water, at least 4 gallons each day ( shower, toilet, cleaning)

what's the problem, sickness?? where I live the municipal water supply filters broke so people started drinking tap water that contained feces in it, it caused a lot people to be sick, and the municipal council had to give bottled water to everyone untill they fix it.

if the.... More

jennifer Today 18:02 PM

I don't care if my water comes from the same source of the tap water, tap water tastes awfull, in my country water is cheap, a dollar for 2 gallons of water, I idon't see the problem the water infrastucture sustains by home consume, bath,cooking, cleaning etc.

the plastic can be a problem since, they are not talking about soda drinks, or canned drinks that are more dangerous than plastic.

Celeste 01/07/2012 18:33 PM

Maybe it's because I grew up drinking well water, but I have always found drinking straight from the faucet to be perfectly fine. When I'm on the go, I sometimes will buy a bottle of water, but I usually feel guilty afterward(after all, I have a personal canteen I could use). My goal in 2012 is to continue improving on sustainable living, and totally abstaining from bottled water is going to join revamping my wardrobe(hoping to add .... More

matt 09/02/2011 15:47 PM

I guess buying soda pop in plastic bottles is a better alternative. Why not just let people buy and drink what they want!

richard turner 09/01/2011 00:50 AM

bottled water is a great alternative to tap water and the toxic chemicals tap water contains such as fluoride and chlorine two of the most deadly chemicals in the world
chlorine by product are caused when chlorine mixes with organics such as leaves,dirt,etc and can produce such dangerous chemicals such as trihalomethanes chloroform is one of this family and mx both of these cause genetic changes in cells and may be carcinogenic, the treatment of municipal water does not remove these chemicalsMore

Jillian 09/19/2011 03:20 AM

Water itself is very deadly, don't forget! More than a dozen people in human history have died from consuming too much water, mainly into their lungs - the same way chlorine kills them. But, you can swim in chlorine without dying, and if you are very very careful, you can swim in water without dying. Also, next time you pass gas, don't forget to grab a gas mask and make sure all flames are covered or out since methane is extremely flammable. Nitrogen in the air around you could also kill.... More

Anonymous 09/25/2011 20:12 PM

, according to http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/03/100310/why-tap-water-is-... “Bottled water contains no fluoride, and we’re seeing more and more adults suffer from a fluoride deficiency, which can lead to tooth decay.

Reading that i assume fluoride is somewhat good for u too.

Anonymous 09/25/2011 21:33 PM

You should read more on flouride. Qhile yes, flouride does help prevent tooth decay, flouride is poisonous to the body. Wonder why your tooth paste warns to not swallow, and to contact a poison control center if more than a pea sized amount is swallowed? There are numerous dangers associated with flouride, but it is in our water and tooth paste. Keep in mind tooth decay is an unfortunate result of age and dental health. Proper oral hygiene can help prevent some of the nastier effects of tooth.... More

JH 08/24/2011 00:34 AM

Though this information is true when it comes to most bottled waters, there are companies out there who are trying to change the industry when it comes to bottled water. Most bottled waters ARE just filtered tap waters, but not all of them. There are companies who offer a spring water, which (if you have a high quality spring) is a far superior alternative to tap water. No man-made pollutants, no chemicals, and no wasteful treatment techniques. And it still has all the nutrients and minerals.... More

DMW 08/26/2011 17:12 PM

No don't bother finding out what the industry can do to improve, corporations don't have a conscience. Just make your municipality live up to higher standards. Buying water should be rare not what it has turned into today. We The People are really asking for trouble if we continue on this path.

PBFreak 08/24/2011 16:49 PM

JH, you still can't argue that bottled water is a bad for the environment. To run a factory, make the bottle, distill it, put it in a bottle, ship it out to stores, run the stores that need it. A 1 liter bottle uses up 5 liters of water to make it. If it were just tap water that were bottled and shipped it would be 3. Plastic Bottles accounted for 2.5 million tons of CO2 emissions, and more than 17 million barrels of trash. So please even if water makers are trying to make better water, they.... More

Dan H. 08/18/2011 18:35 PM

Many of the comments I read below people talk about their tap water being "bad" as the reason they will still buy bottled water. But most bottled water comes from local sources, i.e., it is tap water. You're just paying exhorbitant prices to an evil corporation for the same water you can get from your tap. If you want to have the convenience of a bottle to travel with, buy a nalgene or stainless steel or aluminum bottle and fill it before you go. That way, you're not supporting this.... More

molly gonz 08/13/2011 05:49 AM

Here is a trailer to the movie "Tapped"....it explains how people are drinking the chemicals that leach out from the plastic of bottled water...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72MCumz5lq4

molly gonz 08/13/2011 05:41 AM

Anyone wanting to know more about the bottled water industry and how nuts it is, watch the movie "Tapped"..you will be amazed at what you find out. It is much like "Food Inc" for water...very informative and you will probably never buy bottled water again!

molly gonz 08/13/2011 05:36 AM

Anyone buying bottled water is being scammed. The money spent is ridiculous. The resulting pollution is even worse. We have used a filter for a long time now on our faucet and the water tastes amazing. We used to use bottled water. I admit it. It is not easy to convert to tap but you can do it and think of the money you will save. We keep a pitcher in the fridge and I fill my camelbak with it for the gym and just to take with me when I go..simple as that. Save yourself some money and cut.... More

chris 08/12/2011 16:31 PM

I dsagree that tap water is safer. The water has all kinds of toxins in it. Read the article/information sheet that is sent to your home from the municipal water plant. The fine print says it all. People with compromised immune systems, the elderly and very young should talk to their physician about alternate water source. I WONDER WHY? Fluoride added to our water for your teeth, REALLY!!!! read your tooth paste directions, should not be swallowed and young children should only use a.... More

DMW 08/26/2011 17:16 PM

Well it is up to you and your community to do something about it. Not skirt the problem by buying bottled water.

Ray Foucher 07/20/2011 17:44 PM

Bottled water is probably often not the best but drinking water is so important to health that I wouldn't not drink because only bottled water is available. The rule of thumb I have heard is: take your weight in lbs, divide by 2 and the result is the number of ounces you should drink in a day. For example, for a person weighing 160 lb: 160 lb/2 = 80 80 oz = 10 glasses (at 8 oz (250 ml)/glass)

Eva 07/11/2011 11:03 AM

Yeah, bottled wated isn't good as it seems, but tap water is such a terrible thing too!. A few hours ago, the lady who changed the filter of my water purifier, show me a demonstration of how many **** there is in tap water. She put some tap water in a glass and purified water in other and then she put a few drops of some revealing liquid she carries with her to show this, on both glasses and guess what? The tap water became totally green-yellow revealing all the crap it contains, while the.... More

Anonymous 07/28/2011 23:13 PM

I had one of these demonstrations done for me once - also by a person who sells water filters. NOTE: They SELL water filters. Did you ever think to ask what chemical it was that they put in the water that made it "reveal all the crap"....? I didn't either until she was gone, then it dawned on me that many illusions can be created by the right chemicals... the drops may actually be what CAUSED (not revealed) the crap!

Anonymous 08/12/2011 16:36 PM

Tap water is very toxic, do your research/homework. It may shock you to see the exact level of toxins that are permitted it tap water.

Anonymous 08/13/2011 05:54 AM

Watch the movie "Tapped"...bottled water is not much better..it is best to filter your water...

julianowens 06/30/2011 13:31 PM

quite honestly, I have seen the results of my local city water. I'll stick to the bottled stuff. BTW one thing not mentioned. By the time your city gets out the word that your water is bad, it's already too late.

5 reasons not to drink bottled water

It's expensive, wasteful and — contrary to popular belief — not any healthier for you than tap water.

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5 reasons not to drink bottled water

It's expensive, wasteful and — contrary to popular belief — not any healthier for you than tap water.

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