Bottled Water vs. Tap Water: Which Is Actually Better?
Comparing safety, quality, cost, and environmental impact.
The quality comparison
Bottled water is regulated by the FDA, tap water by the EPA. Surprisingly, EPA standards are stricter in some areas. Tap water is tested far more frequently (hundreds of times monthly vs. annually for bottled). Several studies have found bottled water contains microplastics at higher rates than tap water. Some bottled brands are literally repackaged tap water.
The cost comparison
Bottled water costs $1-3 per gallon. A home RO system produces water for about $0.02 per gallon after equipment cost. A family of four spending $15/week on bottled water saves $700+ per year by switching to a home filter. Over 5 years, that is $3,500 vs. $300-400 for a quality under-sink system.
When bottled makes sense
Emergency situations (boil advisories, contamination events). Travel to areas with unsafe water. Temporary housing where you cannot install a filter. For everyday home use, a home filtration system is safer, cheaper, and better for the environment.