Contrary to popular belief, tap water in the United States is safer than the country's bottled water. Despite health regulations on tap water that make it safer and research studies supporting its use, it is no longer as popular among people: 96% of people buy bottled water and one in five only drinks bottled water.
A new study published in BMJ Global Health says tap water is almost always a healthier choice than bottled water in the US.
The report notes that while there are regions where drinking water is contaminated, tap water is generally considered safe, cost-effective, convenient and environmentally friendly in high- and middle-income countries that adhere to strict safety standards. However, it states that low- and middle-income countries must invest in infrastructure and the safe availability of piped water.
Why tap water is safe in the USA
Tap water in the United States is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure its safety and protect public health. The Safe Drinking Water ActPassed by Congress in 1974, it sets the standards for the nation's drinking water. This law requires public water systems to comply with EPA regulations, including monitoring water quality and providing transparent reports of their results. Additionally, the law requires municipal water systems to provide annual water quality reports to consumers so that they remain informed about the safety of their drinking water. These regulations are critical to maintaining the integrity of public water supplies across the country.
Bottled water, on the other hand, is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, which has looser regulations than tap water; Therefore, regulators need to take stricter measures to ensure safety and quality, the report said.
The problem of microplastics
Studies have shown that plastic from water bottles enters the water, which can contain 240,000 detectable plastic fragments per liter. 90% of those fragments were nanoplastics, tiny pieces of plastic that have been linked to a range of health problems, including heart disease and cancer.
Studies suggest that microplastic contamination is associated with oxidative stress, immune deficiency and possible obesity-related effects through alteration of lipid metabolism. Such pollutants are often classified as endocrine disruptors and interfere with the normal function of reproductive hormones, thyroid hormones and glucocorticoid receptors, especially in critical embryonic stages.
However, tap water is not without its problems. A study published in 2023 found the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as chemicals, in about 45% of drinking water samples in the United States. Another study found the presence of contaminants such as arsenic, fracking fluids, lead, nitrates, chlorinated disinfection byproducts and uranium in some municipal water systems.
The report finds that plastic bottles are the second most common marine pollutant, accounting for 11.9% of all plastic waste.
While bottled water can be used in water emergencies or when water is contaminated, tap water is safe in most cases in the United States. In addition, tap water is economical, environmentally friendly and free of processing and packaging.
Experts recommend using water filters or boiling water if there is concern about contamination in certain areas.
“By prioritizing tap water consumption, we can collectively address the diverse challenges posed by BW and understand tap water as a cornerstone of environmental stewardship and public health,” the report concludes.