The Pros and Cons of Bottled Water

When you are considering water quality, the question you may find yourself asking is: Do I choose bottled water or filtered water? The answer to that question really comes down to what you want to use the water for and how much of it you need for that purpose.

WATER FILTER VS BOTTLED WATER

Bottled water certainly has its place in our lives. When we are out and about, heading to the gym or doing outdoor activities, bottled water refreshes us and is very convenient. Bottled water can be deliciously cool and crisp, but we may not think the same thing is possible with filtered tap water. Commercials don’t really seem to help us make decisions on this topic either as we hear conflicting messages about the bottled water’s source, the plastic bottles’ environmental impact, or even the plastic’s effect on our health.

Let’s then take a look at the pros and cons of both bottled water and filtered water so you can be an informed consumer.

THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF BOTTLED WATER

If a primary concern for you and your family is to reduce your negative environmental impact, installing a home filtration system may suit your needs and be useful for many years.

“US landfills are overflowing with 2 million tons of discarded water bottles alone.” Source: Environmental Impact of Bottled Water

New studies are also showing that the plastic in the bottled water can also have a negative impact on your health. According to The Huffington Post:

“Plastic leaches into the water it holds, which has been linked to health issues like reproductive problems and different types of cancer. Harmful hormone-disrupting phthalates leach into the bottled water we drink after as little as 10 weeks of storage, or much faster once the bottles have been left in the sun (like in the car.)”

And, sadly, many environmentalists know that the water in those bottles isn’t much better than plain tap water, and yet consumers pay dollars on the penny for bottled over the tap. In fact, large brands such as Dasani and Aquafina sources its water from municipal supplies. Source: Reader’s Digest

PROS AND CONS OF BOTTLED WATER

Despite being extremely harmful to the environment, there are some benefits of bottled water that explains why society still uses water bottles today.

PROS OF BOTTLED WATER

• Provide quick and easy hydration: The main reason that explains why people use water bottles is that they provide quick and easy hydration on the go.
• Easy to store: Another reason why people probably still use water bottles is that they are quite easy to store. You can carry them with you in a bag on the go, in your hand, and can really place is anywhere for your convenience. It’s just easier.
• Easily Accessible: Water bottles are also very easily accessible. You can pretty much walk into any store, and they will have water bottles available for purchase. If you are thirsty, a water bottle is a guaranteed solution.

CONS OF BOTTLED WATER

• Overall pricier than filtered water: If you use water bottles, chances are that you use them more than you would use filtered water stored in a flask. If this is the case, water bottles add up to be costlier than it would be for you to use a water filter and a flask. In conclusion, if you are looking to save money while also being environmentally friendly, filtered water is your go-to solution.
• Health risks: Bottled waters are exactly that, bottles made out of plastic that store drinking water. Water bottles typically contain chemicals that are harmful to the human body, including but not limited to bisphenol (BPA).
• Harmful to the environment: One of the worst things about water bottles is that they are extremely harmful to the environment. Plastic is decomposable, and the number of water bottles that are used and thrown in a single day poses an incredible risk for our environment.

FILTERED WATER IS A BETTER SOLUTION

Feel confident, at home or office, that there are many options for clean and refreshing tap water for you and your friends to drink.

Purchasing a filtration system is, of course, an upfront investment that repays us in many ways. Not only can the filtered water replace the bulk of bottled water, it is the most sensible choice for showering and meal preparation. You can choose exactly what areas of your home have filtered water is available to control the freshness and quantity available to use at any one time. If you only want filtered water for drinking or bathing, you can limit the water filtration system to your kitchen or bathroom. Or, you can filter all water used at your home, including exterior sources like hoses and sprinkler systems.

Depending on your location, plumbing problems can also be reduced through water filtration devices. Calcification build-up blocks wastewater flow out of pipes or cakes onto appliances, like coffee and tea makers, impacting their longevity. In Denver and its outlying areas, mineral build-up is a particular problem that impacts homes and businesses alike. 

WATER FILTRATION INSTALLATION IN AURORA

Overall, choosing to install a water filtration system, and using a reusable, safe water bottle, you can reduce your environmental impact, save money and still have the convenience and refreshing taste of a bottled water, plus enjoy the additional benefits of appliance longevity. If you make this choice for yourself, then feel free to ask Sunshine Plumbing, Heating and Air specialists to recommend an appropriate water filtration system scaled to fit your desired lifestyle, social and professional responsibilities.

For all your water treatment needs or to learn more about the cons and pros of plastic water bottles, call today!