5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Drink Bottled Water

Bottled water is not a sustainable alternative to water, even though corporations would like us to believe that it is. Read more here!

Reviewed and approved by the doctor José Gerardo Rosciano Paganelli.

Written by Daniela Echeverri Castro

Last update: 30 May, 2022

Water is essential for life. It’s not just refreshing, it plays an important role in the body and each of its functions. Because water is so important for the body, many companies have turned this liquid into a business that has been misleading customers for decades.

With slogans like “9 out of 10 doctors recommend it”, many corporations sell bottled water claiming that it’s healthier than tap water. Although it’s seemingly healthy, some companies distribute poor quality water at prices that are too high for consumers.

Bottled water isn’t a sustainable alternative, even though corporations would like us to believe that it is. It’s true that many companies currently have policies for the recycling and reuse of plastic bottles, but in most cases, the bottles end up in the trash and pollute the environment.

We’re not saying that tap water is 100% safe to use, because that all depends on how it’s been treated and what’s been done to make it suitable for human consumption. With this in mind, here are 5 reasons why you shouldn’t drink bottled water.

Plastic water bottles aren’t sustainable

As we mentioned above, corporations want consumers to believe that plastic bottles are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. However, these bottles are manufactured with materials that take hundreds of years to break down.

There are many recycling campaigns to reduce the impact of plastic bottles on the environment, but this has only minimally affected pollution. According to several studies, more plastic bottles are thrown away than recycled.

In addition, “biodegradable” bottles don’t break down as easily as their label indicates. They’re just made with less plastic than others.

Most bottled water is the same as tap water at higher prices

The bottle of water may depict a peaceful spring or stream, but this doesn’t mean that the water is pure or of the highest quality. In fact, only a small percentage of bottled water comes from springs or underground sources.

Close to 25% of all bottled water is identical in quality to tap water. Obviously, some companies filter or irradiate their water with ultraviolet light before selling at costs that are 100 times higher.

In addition, several studies have found that some bottled water samples contained phthalates, mold, microbes, benzene, trihalomethanes, and even arsenic. In this regard, experts consider tap water to be more reliable. However, you should take into consideration the purification process of the municipal water supply.

Many bottled waters contain toxins

The plastic used for bottled water isn’t only bad for the planet but can also damage your body. Bottled water companies are using a type of plastic that’s BPA-free, which is less toxic than other types of plastic.

However, it’s not free of other chemical compounds that can leach out if the bottle is exposed to heat for any period of time. Some of these chemical products are possible endocrine disruptors, although this hasn’t been scientifically confirmed.

Local water is the perfect complement to organic food

Organic food is really popular now. This is because it was determined that it may be healthier than foods that have been exposed to pesticides and other chemicals. The best option is cooking these foods with tap water.

There are alternatives to bottled water

Purchasing a reusable bottle in a size and style that you like is a great way to save money, stay healthy, and help the environment at the same time. There are many bottles on the market that are ideal for filling with water at home so that you can always have this vital liquid at hand.

There are also several innovative products that can increase your confidence in drinking tap water. A glass pitcher with a biodegradable filter is a great choice that will guarantee safer water. Another option is to add a filter to your faucet. They’re easy to install and will improve your water quality.