Your Water is Expensive. But is it Better?
A gallon of bottle water will cost around $1.25 on average but does it mean it’s safer than tap water?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates bottled water, while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates tap water. So what’s the difference between tap and bottled water?
Tap Water
The difference or quality of your water depends on the source. Most tap water comes from local rivers or lakes and may contain bacteria, pesticides, heavy metal or industrial pollutants which municipal water facilities in your city~ filter, disinfect and convert to safe levels.
Municipal water plants typically do a great job filtering excess chemicals exceeding EPA guideline, with the exception of the Flint, Michigan scenario.
Generally, most tap water should be safe to drink unless its coming through older pipes where lead or copper exposure is higher and accounts for hazardous drinking water.
Because tap water is treated with chlorine and other chemicals to purify the water, it may affect the taste or smell, which is why many people opt for bottled water instead.
If your concerned about contaminants in your tap water, you can purify the chlorine and other additives (lead and fluoride) by purchasing faucet attachments or water filtration pitchers.
For a complete filtering system, install a reverse osmosis system in your home to purify your entire water system.
Bottled Water
Bottled water is drinking water packaged in plastic or glass containers. Most stores house a wide variety of bottled water which is simply tap water that’s been treated.
A distinct type of bottled water originates from natural sources such as an underground well or a fresh spring. The natural source water is approved by the FDA with attached labels, artesian, well, or spring water to identify the source.
Both artesian water and well water come from underground sources, while spring water typically comes from surface water.
The difference between tap water and underground water is the source. The source of the water affects its quality.
Unlike tap water, Artesian, spring and well water, does not go through a municipal water plant, likewise is required to meet FDA guideline.
Be mindful. Bottled water labeled glacier or mountain water are terms not regulated by the FDA and are typically used for selling purposes only.
In lament terms, the bottled water may or may not be from a mountain or glacier. Read the label on the back of the bottle for the water source.
What’s Alkaline Water?
Everybody’s talking about Alkaline water, but is it really better for you?
Alkaline water is water with a pH higher than 7.0~You can make your own water alkaline by adding baking soda, but unless its ionized by a electrolysis process, its still likely to contain chemicals.
Why Should Water Be Alkaline?
Because alkaline water has a higher pH level than plain tap water, experts report it can neutralize acids in your bloodstream.
High levels of acid in your bloodstream are documented risk factors for cancer, heart disease and kidney disease. Your blood needs the right balance of acidic and alkaline compounds to function properly. Any variation from the normal range can have significant effects on your organs.
Reported Benefits of Alkaline Water
- Improves circulation
- Better hydration
- Improves circulation
- May reduce signs of aging (antioxidant)
- Reduces acid reflux
- Improves hair and skin
- Provides full body detox
- Promotes weight loss
Bottled Alkaline water reportedly has no antioxidants, contains chemicals used to purify the water — converting it to Alkaline, and is super expensive.
If your considering switching to Alkaline water you may want to look into a home filtration system that uses a water ionizing system as opposed to purchasing bottled Alkaline water.
Ionized Alkaline water originates from an actual water ionizer and is reportedly chemical-free, contains antioxidants, and replaces low-quality water with what many consider to be a super water.
Terms to know
Neutral water- Is pH7… good for watering plants, baby formula and is typically used in may homes.
Acidic Water- Water pH less than 7
Alkaline Water- Water pH higher than 7
Hard Water- Water with high mineral content. One way to tell if you have hard water in your home is poor soap or detergent performance. Hard water isn’t considered unsafe, but can cause a mineral build up on plumbing.
Soft Water- Is water with lower mineral content which generally gives you a cleaner feeling after showering, promotes optimal soap and detergent use, and usually doesn’t leave a soap-scum behind.
If your not sure what water system is best, review your options and make the change as necessary.
You can test your water by contacting a local water expert such as Culligan, Kinetico or purchase a DIY kit.
Refences: Wikipedia, aquahealthproducts.com
