In many parts of the world, including the U.S., both tap and bottled water are generally considered safe for consumption. However, opting for tap water not only proves to be more economical but also less harmful to our environment. Daily hydration can come from various sources, including the moisture in foods, beverages such as coffee or tea, and, of course, plain water. Therefore, it's quite reasonable to be inquisitive about the quality and safety of your drinking water sources.

In the U.S., drinking water is subject to stringent regulations, ensuring that it is predominantly safe for public consumption. Conversely, certain other water sources may pose health risks if consumed.

This article delves into the various categories of drinking water, explores key factors to consider regarding water quality and safety, and highlights the most beneficial types of water for consumption.

Types of Drinking Water

Discover the various types of drinking water that are commonly available:

• Tap Water. This is the water that flows from your household taps, sourced either from municipal supplies or private wells.
• Mineral Water. Sourced from underground springs, mineral water contains at least 250 parts per million of minerals derived from dissolved solids.
• Spring Water. Spring water originates from underground sources that naturally rise to the surface, and it must be bottled directly at the source.
• Distilled Water. This type of water has had all its minerals eliminated through a distillation process, where it is vaporized and then condensed back into liquid form.
• Purified Water. Purified water has undergone treatments such as reverse osmosis, advanced one-micron filtration, ozonation, or distillation to remove impurities.

Most tap water is subjected to purification processes, including distillation or reverse osmosis. Conversely, some bottled water may simply be unprocessed tap water, meaning that the packaging does not guarantee it is mineral or spring water.

Is One Type of Water Healthier Than Another?

Generally, drinking water in many nations, including Canada and Japan, is considered safe.

Strict regulations govern drinking water standards, with oversight by agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for tap water and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for bottled varieties.

Although there may be minor variations in taste and mineral content among different water types, they are primarily equally healthy choices.

Potential Downsides of Drinking Water

It’s important to consider the potential drawbacks associated with various types of water.

Every type of water, whether bottled or tap, carries the risk of contamination at its source. Contaminants can range from harmless substances to potentially dangerous pathogens like E. coli, which may cause severe gastrointestinal issues. If your tap water is sourced from a municipal supply, it's likely to be regularly monitored for pathogens. However, those using private wells may need to engage a testing agency for routine quality assessments.

Should bottled water become contaminated, it is subject to recalls enforced by the FDA. Another significant concern regarding bottled water is the environmental impact due to the generation of substantial single-use plastic waste, which is often avoidable if safe tap water is available.

Moreover, bottled water typically comes at a higher cost than tap water. Hence, if you reside in an area with safe tap water, choosing to drink it instead of bottled varieties can help reduce both your expenses and the amount of plastic waste produced.

While numerous types of drinking water exist, they are all fundamentally healthy options. However, they do carry risks of potential contamination. Bottled water contributes to plastic waste and is generally pricier.

Is pH Significant?

The term pH denotes the acidity or alkalinity of a liquid, with a pH of 7 being neutral. A lower pH indicates higher acidity, while a higher pH signifies increased alkalinity.

Typically, drinking water maintains a neutral pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. Certain varieties of water, such as distilled water, lean towards a slightly more acidic nature, whereas commercially available alkaline waters exhibit a more alkaline character. Interestingly, the pH level of water does not seem to have a substantial impact on your overall health.

Regardless of its pH level, drinking water will not alter your blood pH unless consumed in extremely large quantities, which is practically unfeasible. Moreover, consuming such excessive amounts of any water type can lead to health hazards, potentially diluting sodium levels in the blood and resulting in a condition known as hyponatremia.

Additionally, there’s a lack of recent evidence that suggests alkaline water delivers any notable health advantages. It is important to note that an unusually high or low pH level might signal contamination in a municipal water supply.

In the event that your tap water is affected, your water provider should promptly inform you, followed by further testing, and you will receive updates if contaminants are detected and guidance on how to proceed.

Is the Mineral Content of Water Important?

Water inherently possesses minerals that contribute to its unique properties. Primarily, it consists of essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, along with trace amounts of various other minerals that are typically insignificant in quantity.

Generally, the mineral concentration in water does not compromise its safety, nor does it provide enough of any specific mineral to meaningfully enhance your dietary intake. Water recognized as hard water contains elevated levels of these minerals, which can lead to the formation of deposits and stains in fixtures such as sinks and toilets, occasionally giving the water a slightly murky appearance.

In cases where the mineral content is exceptionally high, water might take on a brown tint or emit a noticeable odor. For example, sulfur — while safe for consumption at low concentrations — can impart a scent reminiscent of rotten eggs.

To counteract the hardness of water, many companies utilize softening agents aimed at reducing mineral content and converting hard water into what is termed “soft” water. However, this treatment may inadvertently increase the phosphorus levels in the water, yet rest assured, this process is generally considered safe and does not detract from overall water quality.

It is important to clarify that water labeled as mineral water does not have added minerals; instead, it is sourced from underground reservoirs, rich in naturally occurring minerals.

Should Certain Types of Water Be Avoided?

It is essential to recognize that many types of water are not safe for consumption. For instance, drinking water sourced from natural bodies such as lakes, ponds, rivers, or the ocean poses significant health risks. These sources are often contaminated with harmful pathogens and various pollutants that can lead to serious diseases. Moreover, ocean water is excessively salty, which can result in dehydration rather than hydration when consumed.

Choosing bottled water, even when tap water is available, can lead to unnecessary expenses while also contributing to significant plastic waste. If your tap water is deemed unsafe, your water provider is obligated to inform you.

Beyond safety and environmental concerns, it's important to consider the sugar content present in some drinks. Certain beverages marketed as water may contain added sugars and calories that can negatively impact health.

For instance, tonic water, commonly utilized in cocktails, is sweetened and carbonated, typically containing approximately 32 grams of sugar in a 12-ounce (366 mL) serving. Additionally, brands like Vitaminwater offer drinks that are advertised as water beverages, yet they often include multiple ingredients, including added sugars.

While indulging in these beverages occasionally and in moderation is acceptable, excessive consumption of sugar-laden drinks has been associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic health conditions. The Dietary Guidelines for Canadians recommend that adults limit their intake of added sugars to no more than 200 calories daily, which translates to around 50 grams or a dozen teaspoons.

Choosing the Right Type of Water for Your Needs

For the majority of individuals, tap water is an excellent choice. It is not only safe and cost-effective, but it also significantly reduces plastic waste when compared to bottled water.

However, if your tap water appears discolored, emits an unpleasant odor, or if you have received alerts indicating that it is unsafe for consumption, purchasing bottled water for drinking and cooking may become necessary due to safety concerns or personal taste preferences.

Take, for instance, my experience living in a small town where the water had a brown hue attributed to its high mineral content. Although we were assured it was safe to drink, we opted for bottled water for all our needs, including cooking and oral hygiene, because the water's smell and flavor were quite unappealing.

This reliance on bottled water can quickly become financially burdensome and contributes to significant plastic pollution. In general, tap water remains a safe and superior option for hydration.

If you find yourself needing to buy bottled water, consider using refillable water containers or 5-gallon (approximately 23-liter) jugs, which can greatly reduce plastic waste. These can typically be found in supermarkets or home goods stores.

The Bottom Line

Both tap water and bottled water are regulated and monitored by government agencies, ensuring they are generally safe for consumption. Among the two, tap water is often the more economical option and helps reduce the environmental impact of single-use plastic waste.

The pH levels and mineral content can differ widely across various sources, but these variations typically do not significantly influence the overall health benefits of the water. However, it's noteworthy that a high mineral concentration can alter the appearance, odor, and flavor of your drinking water.

In conclusion, tap water is usually the preferable choice, provided it is safe and available. Nevertheless, there may be instances when opting for bottled water becomes necessary, especially if you encounter any issues with your tap supply.