By now, most Americans are relatively aware of the fact that plain tap water isn’t exactly great for them. This isn’t just the case in communities like Flint, Michigan that have experienced a serious catastrophe when it comes to local water conditions. Even in cities where the water is considered clean and 100% safe to drink, tap water can and often does contain toxic substances like arsenic, mercury, fluoride, and more.
That said, it’s not surprising that more people than
ever are making the switch to bottled water instead. The most popular choices
are spring water and purified water, but is one of those a better choice than
the other? Most important of all, are there other solutions to consider that
might be better than either of those? Let’s take a closer look at the answers
to those questions and more.
What Is Purified Water?
Before a given bottled water can be marketed and sold
as “purified water,” overall impurity levels need to be reduced to 10 parts per
million or less. Contrary to popular belief, purified water is not the same
thing as filtered water. All water is subjected to some form of filtration
before distribution, plain tap water included. Purified water, on the other
hand, is also treated to remove additional substances like pathogens and
chemicals.
That said, you can rest easy in the knowledge that any
commercial purified water meets significantly
stricter EPA purity
standards than those applied to standard drinking water, tap
water included. However, consumers should be aware that because of these strict
standards, purified water may come from almost any source, up to and including
springs or existing tap water systems.
What Is Spring Water?
Spring water is commonly referred to by several different
names, including well water, ground
water, and artesian water. It is formally defined by the EPA as water that
originates from an underground aquifer. Other variables attached to your
standard bottle of spring water may vary. Spring water may or may not be
accessed via a well. It also may or may not undergo additional treatment before
distribution. However, spring water is always collected at the point where it
flows or otherwise arrives at the surface of the structure in which it resides.
Those who prefer spring water consider the natural
filtration process to be preferable to the alternatives. Spring water is also
often richer in beneficial natural minerals than other types of water. Even so,
it’s important to realize that while spring water is required to meet basic EPA
purity standards, there are fewer guarantees in place as to the quality of the
water itself.
What Type of Water Should You Be Drinking?
Both purified water and bottled spring water are
considered safe to drink according to the EPA. Both are probably going to be
several cuts above water you’d get straight from the tap. That said, which is
the best option between the two is mostly a matter of personal preference,
availability, and convenience.
Those who prefer spring water often do so because they
like that it contains natural minerals. Not only does that make the water more
healthful than it otherwise might be, but many think minerals improve flavor as
well. On the other hand, those who prefer purified water really like the strict
standards imposed on the quality of what they’re drinking. Purified water is
often also cheaper and more readily available than spring water.
Even so, there’s an option that trumps any kind of
bottled water, including spring and purified – home-filtered
water. What bottled water companies don’t want you to know is that the bottles
themselves contain hazardous chemicals that can leach their way into the water
they contain. Such chemicals have been linked to serious health conditions like
cancer, hormonal imbalance, and more.
By investing in a reverse osmosis filter or another high-performance water filter for your home, you can enjoy continuous access to water that’s every bit as clean, delicious, and good for you as even the purest bottled alternative. However, you’ll get to do so without worrying about exposure to additional chemicals associated with plastic commercial bottles. Since the filters are installed right there at the point of access, they’re super convenient, as well. Plus, filtered water is a lot easier on your pocketbook, over the long haul. Explore the possibilities today!
