While quality may vary by region, tap water is generally safe, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly.īottled water comes from a variety of sources. Tap water is also available at restaurants, bars, and public drinking fountains - and is almost always free. It’s simple to fill up a reusable bottle with tap water before heading out the door. Tap water’s biggest benefits are perhaps its low cost and convenience. Still, the overall environmental effects of tap water are significantly less than bottled ( 11).įurthermore, tap water doesn’t require plastic or other disposable containers that may end up in landfills. Then, after you drink water from a glass, you’ll likely wash the glass either by hand or in a dishwasher.Īll of these steps utilize chemicals and energy, thereby resulting in an environmental impact. During disinfection, chemicals may be added to kill off any remaining microbes and protect against germs ( 3). Environmental impact is much lower than bottledīefore it reaches your house, water is stored in a treatment facility in which it undergoes several processes to remove potential contaminants. Still, factors like mineral content or the type and age of your water pipes may affect the flavor. In general, tap water tastes the same as bottled water. Yet, in blind taste tests, most people can’t tell the difference between tap and bottled water ( 9, 10). Tastes just as good as bottled waterīottled water is often said to taste better than tap water. If you get your water from a private well, you’re responsible for getting it tested for safety. Keep in mind that the EPA only oversees public water sources. While the EPA requires water utilities to provide annual quality reports, the EWG’s Tap Water Database also allows individuals to view contamination reports for their local water supply.įurthermore, home water filters may improve the safety of your tap water ( 3). As a result, certain toxins may be harming vulnerable populations, such as children and pregnant women ( 8). water regulations haven’t been updated in almost 20 years. Many public health organizations also claim that the EPA’s current limits on certain toxins aren’t stringent enough.Īccording to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), U.S. For example, certain regions may have greater exposure to toxins, such as industrial pollutants or bacteria from agricultural runoff ( 7).Īdditionally, old plumbing may introduce contaminants like lead, and natural disasters like floods can temporarily pollute public water systems ( 7). Nonetheless, drinking water contamination can still occur. The EPA is responsible for identifying and setting legal limits for potential contaminants in drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) ( 4, 5).Ĭurrently, the EPA has set legal limits on over 90 contaminants, including heavy metals like lead and microbes like E. public tap water is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Safety may vary based on your locationĪccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United States has one of the world’s safest drinking water supplies ( 3). While contaminated drinking water is an issue in some regions, tap water is generally safe, convenient, and environmentally friendly. This water typically passes through a water treatment plant before being piped into homes and businesses ( 2). Tap water, also called municipal water, comes from large wells, lakes, rivers, or reservoirs.
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