Is Bottled Water Just Tap Water Repackaged? Exploring the Truth Behind Popular Brands
The debate over whether bottled water is simply tap water in a different container has been ongoing for decades. This confusion is only heightened by the variety of brands and processes involved in the creation of bottled water. In this article, we will dissect the differences between source water and non-source water, explore the purification processes, and discuss the regulatory standards that govern bottled water. By the end, you will have a clearer understanding of the distinctions between tap water and bottled water.
Types of Bottled Water
Bottled water can be broadly categorized into two types: source water and non-source water. Source water, as the name suggests, is derived from natural springs, wells, or underground aquifers. Brands like Evian, Perrier, and Poland Spring fall into this category.
Non-source water, on the other hand, comes from municipal sources. This category includes popular brands like Aquafina and Dasani. These brands often undergo extensive purification processes to achieve a clean, tastesome product.
Purification Processes
Regardless of the type of water, most bottled water undergoes rigorous purification processes to ensure that it is safe for consumption. These processes typically include multiple filtration stages and the use of ultraviolet (UV) light or ozone to kill microorganisms.
Source Water: Since source water is derived from natural springs and wells, it typically retains its natural minerals and is associated with a certain locality. Therefore, it is not subject to the same purification processes as non-source water. However, many source water brands will still undergo filtering or other purification methods to improve taste or safety.
Non-Source Water: Non-source water, such as that from municipal supplies, undergoes a more extensive purification process. This can involve multiple stages of filtration, often including reverse osmosis, which removes impurities, salts, and other contaminants. The result is a product that can be marketed as purified or distilled water, terms that are strictly regulated by the FDA.
Regulatory Standards and Labels
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees the labeling of bottled water. According to FDA regulations, water labeled as 'purified water' or 'distilled water' must have a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) content of no more than 10 parts per million (ppm).
Distilled water is essentially water that has been boiled and then cooled, removing minerals such as chloride, sodium, calcium, and magnesium. This process can result in water that is devoid of minerals, leading some to prefer purchasing it in bulk containers. In Australia, this water is often marketed as "Pureau Pure Water," highlighting its purity and suitability for various uses.
Case Studies and Recent Developments
One notable case occurred in Britain, where a major American drinks company was accused of repackaging tap water as a premium bottled water product. Once this information became public, the company swiftly withdrew the product. This incident sparked significant debate about the authenticity of bottled water brands and the importance of transparency in labeling.
Around 20 years ago, a study was conducted to compare different brands of bottled water. The findings indicated that most bottled water was no different from tap water treated to remove chlorine. The only exceptions were brands labeled as purified or distilled water, which met stricter purity standards.
In regions like Tucson, where municipal water has a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) content of approximately 450 ppm, a reverse osmosis (RO) system can reduce this to around 23 ppm, which is still below the FDA's TDS limit for purified water. Personal filtration systems, such as under-sink RO units, can further refine the water, providing a higher grade of purified water that may be perceived as superior to store-bought bottled water.
Conclusion
The truth is that many bottled water brands are essentially tap water in a more refined form. Whether this is good or bad depends largely on personal preference and the quality of the tap water in your area. For those concerned about water purity, investing in water purification systems can provide greater control over the quality of their drinking water.
Understanding the differences between source water, non-source water, and the purification processes used can help consumers make more informed choices about the water they consume.