3 Myths About Bottled Water vs. Tap Water

There are many myths about tap and bottled water. It is often
believed that bottled water is cleaner, healthier, or safer. In
reality, many of these beliefs are not supported by scientific evidence.
Here are the three most common myths and the truth behind them.

Myth 1: Bottled water is better than tap water
This is one of the most common myths.
In reality, in Western Europe and North America, about 99% of
public tap water is drinkable, according to EU, EPA and
World Health Organization standards.
The main problem with tap water in some areas is not safety, but:
• taste
• smell
• presence of minerals (hardness)
• residual chlorine used for disinfection
There is no scientific evidence that bottled water is healthier than tap
water.

Myth 2: Bottled water is much safer than tap water
This is also not true.
Tap water is strictly controlled and regularly tested. For example, in some
European cities, water is checked hundreds of times a day, which is more
tests than for bottled water.
Again, there is no scientific evidence that bottled water is safer.
In some cases, it may even contain:
• microplastics
• traces of pharmaceutical substances
• chemicals from plastic.

Myth 3: There is no problem with bottled water if bottles are recycled

Many people believe that if plastic bottles are recycled, the problem is solved.
But the real problem is the entire production chain of bottled water,
including:
• production of plastic bottles
• transportation
• filling and packaging
• cooling and storage.
On average, it takes about 3 liters of water to produce 1 liter of bottled
water, if all production processes are included.
In addition, a large part of plastic bottles are never recycled, which
leads to serious environmental pollution.
Conclusion
The main myths about bottled water are:
1. Bottled water is better than tap water – a myth
2. Bottled water is safer – a myth
3. Recycling solves the problem of plastic bottles – a myth
In many cases, tap water is just as safe, cheaper, and
significantly more environmentally friendly.