Many water brands sell citrus- or berry-flavored water, for example. Sparkling water is a popular alternative to still. According to some estimates , bottled water is almost 2, times the price of tap water, with a gallon — obtained from combining single-serve water bottles — costing almost three times the national average for a gallon of milk.
One reason that people choose bottled over tap water despite the cost difference may be that it can be more convenient to have a bottle to hand when out and about — especially if there is no access to a faucet. Research indicates that the bottling, refrigeration, and transportation processes associated with water, as well as the disposal of plastic bottles after use, cause a wide range of adverse environmental effects far greater than those of tap water.
For example, in , the bottling of water in the U. This process required an estimated energy input equal to approximately 64 million barrels of oil. According to nonprofit organization Container Recycling Institute , every day in the U. The majority of these bottles make their way into landfills and waterways, or they litter the streets.
Some people try to reuse plastic water bottles in a bid to offset some of the environmental impacts. This may pose risks in the long-term, however, including the risk of bacterial growth and the risk of toxins leaching from the bottle. Overall, it appears that tap water is a better option in most cases. It is convenient, free or inexpensive, and has much less of an environmental impact than bottled water. Tap water is also just as safe as bottled water, and most people will not be able to tell the difference in taste.
Occasionally, bottled water may be more convenient or readily available than tap water. To remedy this, people can carry a reusable bottle of tap water with them and refill it from public drinking water facilities when necessary. Those who prefer the taste of bottled water may wish to try a water filter. After all, a lot of bottled water is actually just filtered tap water.
Or, people can try adding ice and slices of fruit to their tap water to improve its flavor. Some people need to take extra precautions with their drinking water, especially if they have weaker immune systems, are pregnant, or are older. These individuals should discuss their concerns with a doctor, who may advise them to drink certain bottled waters, or to boil their tap water before consumption.
The type of water a person chooses will depend on many factors, including their preferences and concerns. Overall, however, it seems that tap water consumption is much better for the environment, poses fewer health risks, and tastes very similar to bottled water — especially if filtered.
There are important things to understand about pH and how it relates to water. Some people believe that drinking alkaline water provides health…. Drinking raw water is a relatively new health phenomenon, but are the rumors about its health benefits true, or is it dangerous? Find out here.
Fluoride is found naturally in soil, water, and foods. It is added to water to help prevent tooth decay, but not everyone agrees with this. Find out…. During disinfection, chemicals may be added to kill off any remaining microbes and protect against germs 3. All of these steps utilize chemicals and energy, thereby resulting in an environmental impact. Still, the overall environmental effects of tap water are significantly less than bottled Tap water is also available at restaurants, bars, and public drinking fountains — and is almost always free.
While quality may vary by region, tap water is generally safe, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly. While some people believe bottled water to be safer, better tasting, and more convenient than tap water, several concerns surround its safety and environmental impact. However, some products may harbor very small pieces of plastic called microplastics Animal studies and other research suggests that microplastics act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, promote inflammation , result in negative health effects, and accumulate over time in organs like the liver, kidneys, and intestines 14 , 15 , 16 , This contamination was due in part to packaging and the bottling process itself Still, the taste of bottled water varies greatly depending on the water source and packaging.
For example, mineral water has a distinct flavor depending on the types and levels of minerals present. Some people also prefer carbonated or flavored waters due to their unique taste. From treating and bottling to transportation and refrigeration, bottled water requires large amounts of energy. In fact, bottled water production in the United States used 4 billion pounds 1. The energy input required to produce that amount is equal to 64 million barrels of oil Most end up in landfills or bodies of water 1.
This is particularly problematic, as plastic bottles have been shown to release toxins as they degrade 20 , 21 , To minimize the ecological footprint of bottled water, some municipalities around the world have banned the sale of single-use plastic water bottles. Additionally, some companies have researched making bottles with biodegradable materials, which may have fewer environmental effects One gallon 3. This not only means that bottled water is pricier than milk and gasoline but also nearly 2, times more expensive than tap water Plus, with a reusable water bottle, tap water can be just as convenient as bottled.
You can even add fresh fruit to create your own infused, flavored water. If safety or water quality is your main concern, consider purchasing a filtration system or filter pitcher instead of regularly buying bottled water. Even when tests are run on a daily, contaminants from old pipelines may still find their way in. To ensure your city water is clean and safe to drink, get water testing kits for your personal use.
Most times, one of the issues with city water is the fact that it comes with an unpleasant smell or taste. This water usually treated with chemicals that give it an unpleasant odor and color. Luckily, employing a whole house water filter in your home can make city water taste and look better.
If you own a private well that supply you with water, then you free from monthly charges or bills. It is also high in nutrients and looks fresher.
The reason is that the aquifer underground has filtered the water, making it more refreshing and cleaner than the surface water. Also, well water tastes better due to the high minerals in it which are useful in the body of adults and children. Natural disasters such as floods can disrupt the distribution of city water.
Problems such as this do not affect well water unless it is particularly severe. Either way, well water always has a way of standing out. This type of water needs electricity to draw the water from the ground except you want to go through the manual process which can be stressful.
Also, if your pump develops a fault, then there will be no water. This leaves you with no other option than to use a generator or solar power as an alternative power source.
You are the owner of your well, and it is your property, so you are solely responsible for the quality of your water. If your pump gets bad, you have no other option but to fix it.
Also, you are responsible for all additional drillings, repairs, and maintenance. Base on the level of repair, it can cost you a lot of money. You are also responsible for routine water tests and treatments. Dead animals, sewage, radiation, and harmful chemicals are all pollutants that can damage well water. Dead animals and leaves can contaminate the well water if they fall into it. Also, if you have a septic system close by, this can also pollute the well water, affecting its quality and taste.
With that said, always ensure that the well water gets tested regularly. To make things easier, use a water distiller machine to purify water and water softener to reduce its hardness. Make sure it is from all pollutants such as bacteria, heavy metals, and chemicals. You can relax and use your water, knowing that it passes through some filtration process daily. The city water meets all EPA quality guidelines. It is for this reason why most homeowners prefer city water to well water. The city adds certain health-beneficial chemicals to the water to make it rich in minerals and nutrients.
These chemicals are added to replace those healthy minerals and nutrients that were lost during filtration.
0コメント