Tap Water vs. Bottled Water: A Dive into Aqua's Divisions
In the maze of 21st century conveniences, water, a fundamental necessity of life has also become a subject of choice. Do we trust our taps, or do we fall for the allure of bottled promises? Let’s unpack the mystery.
1. The Golden Era of Tap Water
Tap water once reigned supreme. It was the trusty, omnipresent, and free source of H2O. But that was before bottled water danced into our lives and onto our office desks, airplane trays, and dinner tables. In 2006 alone, we guzzled over eight billion gallons of bottled water—a startling jump of 10% from 2005. Bottled water’s allure isn’t a mystery: it’s refreshing, devoid of calories, conveniently portable, palatable, and a healthier alternative to sugar loaded sodas.
2. Delving into the Depths of Tap Water
Origins: Tap water has humble beginnings, sourced predominantly from local lakes and rivers. Yet, these sources are not pristine. Industrial pollutants, agricultural runoffs, bacteria, and heavy metals often contaminate them.
Treatment: Ensuring safety, treatment plants play a pivotal role. They filter out particulate matter, exterminate microorganisms, and remove chemicals to comply with EPA standards.
Purification at Home:
Concerns over tap water’s quality have driven many towards home purification. Here’s how you can do it:
Faucets & Water Filters: Effortlessly cleanse water from faucets, effectively removing additives like chlorine.
Water Filter Jugs: Store and chill purified water.
Advanced Filtration: For filtering potent chemicals like lead and fluoride, systems like reverse osmosis reign supreme.
3. Bottled Water: Not Always the Oasis We Imagine
While marketers paint bottled water as a source of pristine hydration, the reality is murkier. Regulation vs. Perception: Eric Goldstein of the NRDC points out, “Nobody should think that bottled water is better regulated, better protected, or safer than tap.”
Deceptive Origins: Often, over a quarter of bottled water comes from city supplies. While some originate from untouched springs, others are merely treated tap water sold at a premium. Brands like Aquafina, Nestlé Pure Life, and Dasani have varying levels of transparency about their sources.
Misleading Labels: There are instances where “spring water” is sourced from wells near hazardous landfills or “pure glacier water” is merely from a public system.
4. Weighing the Options: Tap vs. Bottled
Tap Water:
Pros: Widely available, often clean.
Cons: Potential contaminants like fluoride, mercury, and bacteria.
Bottled Water:
Pros: Clean, pure, convenient.
Cons: Potential BPA exposure, environmental concerns.
5. The Verdict?
It’s a draw. Tap water can be contaminated, while bottled water has environmental concerns and potential health risks from plastic. The most balanced approach? Investing in water purification systems, such as AquaTru or Berkey Water Filter.
6. Comparing the Titans: AquaTru vs. Berkey Water Filter
AquaTru: Offers a 4stage filter process with three filters, primarily plastic, and holds up to 3quarts of water. It boasts of reducing arsenic by approximately 90% and fluoride by 91.8%.
Berkey Water Filter: A 2stage process using 24 filters, it’s made of metal and plastic and can store 2.25 gallons. It claims to reduce arsenic by 99.9% (with special filters) and fluoride by the same percentage.
| AQUATRU WATER FILTER | BERKEY WATER FILTER |
|---|---|
|  |
|
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| Available in 1-size only. | Available in various sizes. |
| Plastic materials. | Metal & plastic materials. |
| Number of filters: 3 | Number of filters: 2 - 4 |
| Filter methods: Mechanical, Reverse Osmosis & Activated Carbon filters. | Filter methods: Black microporous-filters & white fluoride Filters |
| 4-stage filter process. | 2-stage filter process. |
| Holds a maximum water capacity of 3-quarts. | 2.25 Gallons |
| 45.7 x 45.7 x 38.1 cm | 19" High x 8.5" Diameter |
| System: 1 year limited warranty. | Filters: 2 years; System: 1 year. |
 | |
Settling the Debate?
In conclusion, while the bottled water versus tap water debate rages on, the emphasis should be on clean, safe drinking water. Investing in home filtration systems not only ensures safety but also aids the environment and one’s wallet.
