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Is bottled water better than tap water?

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Hello there and thank you for your question!

Bottled water and tap water are considered safe to drink if they meet the safety standards set by
the US Food and Drug Administration and Environmental Protection Agency. However, each has its own benefits in certain situations.

  • Bottled water can be a better option in emergency situations and may be a desirable option for those with weakened immune systems (1).
  • Tap water can be considered a better option for the environment and your wallet! Water bottles are a major source of pollution, and bottled water can be more expensive (per gallon) than tap water.

If you are concerned about the quality of your tap water, contact your water supplier and request for the annual water quality report, also known as the consumer confidence report. This report tells you where your water comes from and what’s in it. You can find the name of your public water system on your water bill or from your local health department or department of public works.

Whether you decide to drink bottled water or tap water, water is the best source of hydration! Check out our Lifestyle page on how to build drinking water into your routine.

 

Hope this helps!

 

Cheers,

Anna Ng, RD


Reference:


1. “Commercially Bottled Water.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated October 28, 2020. Accessed December 20, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/bottled/index.html

 

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Jennifer WeissmanRegistered Dietitian

“Funded by USDA SNAP, an equal opportunity provider and employer. Visit http://calfreshhealthyliving.org for healthy tips.”