Think tap water is dirty, unsafe, or just plain gross? You’re not alone. A lot of people assume bottled water is the only way to get clean drinking water, but that’s not necessarily true. In reality, water sources in many places are tested regularly and held to strict safety standards. It’s also cheaper, more eco-friendly, and just as refreshing as what you’d find in a plastic bottle. So before you spend extra cash on bottled water, consider your local water systems. Your area's public drinking water supply might deserve more credit than it gets.
Tap Water Quality Is Heavily Regulated and Tested
"A common misconception that we hear about is the quality of tap water and if it is safe to drink," says Joe Mouawad, General Manager of the Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) in Riverside, CA. "Each year, EMWD conducts approximately 40,000 water quality tests to ensure its water supplies meet all federal and state drinking water standards established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the California Division of Drinking Water."
Water suppliers across the U.S. are legally required to test and report water quality regularly. This level of transparency with public water systems is something you don’t always get with store-bought water, because bottled water companies aren't held to the same reporting standards. Supplier reporting is an important step – when a boil water advisory is issued, it's enacted by health officials based on testing by municipal water systems.
Some people also believe bottled water is better simply because of taste. But according to Mouawad, "while people believe bottled tastes better, we encourage you to chill your water to the same temp as purchased bottled water, and you will see there is not much difference."
If you're curious about the water quality in your area, I recommend getting an electronic water tester. I linked to one that ZeroWater sent us to gauge contaminant levels in our own public water supply — it's easy to use and very convenient. I also bring it with me when I travel to test water at hotels and AirBnBs. You should also stay apprised to health department reports.
Tap Water Is More Convenient and Affordable
Bottled water is often marketed as a cleaner, tastier option, but in reality, most bottled water is just filtered tap water—at a much higher price. "Water at the tap costs less than a penny per gallon, making it about 1,000 times less expensive than bottled water," Mouawad explains. This cost certainly varies by water district, but it's always true — there's a reason you're not watering your lawn with tap water.
And then there’s convenience. You don’t have to lug heavy packs of bottled water home or worry about running out. Safe tap water is always available, ready to fill a glass, make coffee, or cook with—something we often take for granted.
If you want to make the most of your safe drinking water at home, here are a few easy tips:
- Maintain your home's plumbing. "Water produced from your local water agency is more than safe; however, old or non-maintained pipes at your home can sometimes leach contaminants into your water," says Mouawad. It’s a good idea to have a plumber check and service your water pipes annually.
- Try a filter. If you prefer the taste of bottled water, a simple water filter can help remove any lingering impurities from your pipes.
- Chill it. Cold water tap often tastes better, so keep a pitcher of it in the fridge.
- Add some flavor. A slice of lemon, fresh fruit, or herbs can enhance the taste without the need for plastic bottles.
Using Public Tap Water Is Better for the Environment
Plastic waste is a major issue, and bottled water plays a huge role in it. Many plastic bottles end up in landfills or pollute natural ecosystems, even if you recycle. Choosing tap water over bottled helps cut down on waste and reduces the energy used to produce and transport bottled water.
"Tap water reduces the production of plastic, as plastic water bottles often end up in landfills and/or pollute natural ecosystems," says Mouawad. By switching to clean tap water and using a reusable bottle, you can make a big difference for the planet.
FAQ
Is bottled water really just filtered tap water?
In many cases, yes. "Most bottled water is simply filtered tap water," confirmed Mouawad. Some brands may add extra filtration, but clean water is already tested for water quality issues and treated to meet safety standards.
What if my tap water has a weird taste?
Water taste can be affected by minerals, temperature, or your home’s plumbing. If your water tastes off, try chilling it, using a filter, or adding a slice of lemon. If the issue persists, check with your local municipal source or have your pipes inspected.
