While bottled water remains a popular choice, tap water offers numerous advantages that often go unnoticed. From environmental benefits to cost savings and health assurances, tap water stands out as a practical and sustainable choice.
In this blog from Indiana American Water, we’ll discuss the many reasons why drinking tap water surpasses bottled water in several important ways. Before you can choose between drinking water options, you should know the details of each source. Read on to learn more or visit Indiana American Water online for additional resources and education about your drinking water supply.
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink?
The safety of tap water is a common concern for many people, often influenced by misconceptions that bottled water is inherently cleaner or safer. In reality, tap water undergoes stringent testing and regulation that ensures it meets high safety standards.
Understanding the rigorous oversight and safety measures in place can help clarify why tap water is a reliable and safe choice for drinking.
Filtered Tap Water vs. Non-Filtered Tap Water
For those concerned about the quality of their tap water, using a water filter can offer additional peace of mind.
Filtered tap water can provide an extra layer of safety by removing additional impurities and naturally occurring chemicals that may be present. High-quality water filters can reduce contaminants such as chlorine, lead, and other substances, improving the taste and safety of drinking water.
When selecting a water filter, consider the specific contaminants that are most likely to be present in your local water supply. Look for filters certified to remove these impurities. Regular maintenance and replacement of filter cartridges are essential to ensure continued effectiveness and safety.
Understanding Tap Water Regulations
Tap water safety is governed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). This federal law mandates that public water systems must adhere to specific quality standards to protect public health. The SDWA sets limits on over 90 contaminants, including both man-made and naturally occurring substances. These contaminants can range from bacteria and viruses to harmful chemicals and heavy metals.
The EPA’s role is to establish these standards, oversee water quality, and ensure that water suppliers comply with regulations. This includes setting maximum allowable levels for various contaminants and conducting regular reviews of water safety. The EPA also works with state and local authorities to address any issues related to water quality.
The Water Treatment Process
Before reaching your tap, water typically undergoes a comprehensive treatment process at municipal water treatment plants. This process involves several stages designed to remove impurities and ensure the water meets safety standards.
- Coagulation and Flocculation: The first step involves adding chemicals to the water to cause small particles to clump together, forming larger particles called floc. This helps in removing dirt, debris, and some microorganisms.
- Sedimentation: The floc is then allowed to settle at the bottom of the treatment tanks. This process, known as sedimentation, helps to separate the solid materials from the clean water.
- Filtration: The clear water is passed through filters, often made of sand, gravel, or activated carbon, to remove remaining particles and impurities. This step is crucial for eliminating smaller contaminants that were not removed during coagulation and sedimentation.
- Disinfection: To kill any remaining microorganisms, the water is disinfected using chlorine, chloramine, or other disinfectants. This ensures that pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and protozoa are eliminated before the water reaches consumers.
This thorough water treatment process ensures that the water you receive from your tap is clean, safe, and meets stringent health standards, providing you with reliable and high-quality drinking water.
Water Quality Monitoring and Reporting
It doesn’t end with reliable drinking water systems – the process of making tap water safe goes a step further. Once the water is treated, it is continuously monitored to ensure it remains safe throughout the distribution process. Water utilities like Indiana American Water perform regular testing for a wide range of contaminants, including microbial, chemical, and radiological substances.
Every year, we are required to issue a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), also known as a water quality report. This report provides detailed information on the water’s source, quality, and any detected contaminants. It also includes information on compliance with EPA standards and any actions taken to address potential issues.
Local health departments and water suppliers are crucial in ensuring the safety of tap water. They work closely with water utilities to monitor water quality and manage any issues that arise. If a water quality test reveals potential safety concerns, your local water utility, local health department, or water supplier will promptly notify you with instructions on how to protect yourself, such as an order to boil water if necessary.
Indiana American Water’s water quality reports can be found on our convenient water quality report webpage.
Is Bottled Water Better?
From a drinking water perspective, bottled water is often perceived as a superior choice compared to tap water. However, this perception doesn’t always align with reality. Understanding the process behind bottled water can highlight the benefits of choosing tap water.
Bottled water undergoes a process that includes sourcing, bottling, and distribution. Water is extracted from various sources, including springs or municipal water supplies, and then is treated, bottled, and shipped to retailers. This process requires significant energy and resources, including packaging in plastic throwaway containers that may or may not be recycled.
Here are a few things to consider when trying to decide between tap water quality and bottled water:
- Environmental Concerns: Bottled water production generates considerable plastic waste and relies on energy-intensive processes. According to the Container Recycling Institute, 85% of plastic water bottles end up in landfills, even though they are made from recyclable materials. Choosing tap water instead of bottled water helps reduce plastic waste and lowers your carbon footprint.
- Quality Control and Regulation: Bottled water is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which sets standards for water quality. However, the regulations are less stringent than those imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on tap water.
- Water Source: Bottled water can come from a variety of sources, including springs, wells, or municipal supplies. While some bottled waters are sourced from pristine springs, others may simply be municipal tap water. The source of bottled water is not always disclosed in the packaging, which can make it challenging for consumers to assess the source of the water.
- Treatment Methods: Bottled water is typically treated using filtration, reverse osmosis, or distillation. While these methods are effective, they may not be as comprehensive as the multi-stage treatment processes used in municipal systems. Additionally, bottled water may be stored for long periods, in various environmental conditions, potentially affecting its taste and freshness.
- Cost: Bottled water is generally more expensive than tap water. The cost of bottled water includes not only the price of the water itself but also the costs associated with bottling, packaging, and transportation. Over time, these expenses can add up significantly. For instance, Indiana American Water is still a good value at about a penny per gallon. A single bottle of water usually costs well over $1 for a 12-ounce container.
While bottled water may seem like a convenient and high-quality option, tap water often meets or exceeds the safety standards set for bottled water. With its rigorous wastewater treatment systems and processes and lower cost, tap water remains a reliable and economical choice for everyday drinking water.
The Benefits of Drinking Tap Water vs. Bottled Water
While many people still choose to drink bottled water instead of tap water, tap water provides many valuable benefits that bottled water cannot. From a reduced impact on the environment to increased sustainability and beyond, tap water offers several advantages.
Environmental Impact
Bottled water has a notable environmental impact. The production, bottling, and transportation of bottled water require significant energy and create plastic waste. Most plastic bottles are not recycled, contributing to environmental pollution. By choosing to drink tap water instead of bottled water, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint and help protect the environment.
Health and Safety
Bottled water is often perceived as safer than tap water, but this is not always the case. Tap water is regulated by the EPA and must meet stringent quality requirements. Water treatment plants must conduct multiple daily tests, and every provider is required to issue detailed water quality reports. If any safety concerns arise, your city will notify you promptly.
Greater Sustainability
Tap water is a more sustainable option compared to bottled water. Bottled water often comes from areas experiencing water shortages, putting additional pressure on these regions. Tap water, sourced locally, supports sustainable water management and reduces overall resource strain on your water system.
More Affordable
Bottled water is generally much more expensive than tap water. The costs associated with bottling, shipping, and selling bottled water add up. On average, tap water costs only about a penny per gallon. By using a reusable water bottle, you can save significantly while enjoying the convenience of fresh, clean water.
The Best of Both Worlds: Drinking From a Reusable Water Bottle
If you simply prefer drinking water from a bottle rather than a glass, and your decision to buy plastic water bottles isn’t related to the source of the water then a reusable water bottle may provide a balanced solution between the two options.
Switching to a reusable water bottle is a simple yet impactful way to contribute to environmental protection and save money.
The Benefits of Reusable Water Bottles
Switching to reusable water bottles offers numerous advantages that make them a smart choice for both the environment and your wallet. Unlike single-use plastic bottles, reusable bottles provide a sustainable and economical way to stay hydrated.
Here are some key benefits of making the switch:
- Environmental Impact: Reusable water bottles help reduce plastic waste by cutting down the need for single-use bottles. This decreases the volume of plastic that ends up in landfills and oceans, contributing to a cleaner environment.
- Cost Savings: Bottled water can be up to 1,000 times more expensive than tap water. Investing in a reusable bottle and drinking tap water can lead to significant savings over time, making it a more economical choice.
- Durability and Convenience: Reusable water bottles are typically made from durable materials like stainless steel or BPA-free plastic. They are designed to withstand daily use and are often more resistant to wear and tear compared to disposable bottles.
- Better for Your Health: Many reusable bottles are designed to be free of harmful chemicals found in some single-use plastics, such as BPA. This ensures that the water you drink is not contaminated by toxic chemicals.
- Easy to Clean: Reusable bottles are generally easy to clean and maintain, with many being dishwasher-safe. This helps to ensure that your bottle remains hygienic and your water supply stays fresh.
- Customizable and Portable: Reusable bottles come in various designs and sizes, allowing you to choose one that fits your needs and style. They are also easy to carry, making them perfect for on-the-go hydration.
Switching to a reusable water bottle is a simple yet impactful change that benefits both you and the planet.
Indiana American Water Is Dedicated to Providing Safe and High-Quality Water
Indiana American Water is committed to ensuring that every home has access to clean, safe drinking water. We conduct nearly a million tests and measurements each year to monitor and maintain water quality. Our advanced technology and rigorous testing ensure that your home’s water supply is as safe as possible. For more information about how we’re working to improve water quality throughout Indiana, visit https://amwater.com/inaw/.