Is it better to drink tap water or bottled water?

Every day in France, a simple yet essential question concerns us: is it better to drink tap water or bottled water? Between health issues, environmental impacts, and financial considerations, the choice proves to be more complex.

Tap water, subject to rigorous controls by health authorities, is accessible directly through our pipes, representing an ecological and economical option. However, it sometimes raises doubts due to its chlorine taste or the possible presence of substances like lead.

On the other hand, bottled water, whether spring or mineral, stands out for its purity and mineral composition, but at what cost? Between microplastics, the plastic waste that accumulates as well as quality variations, the health risks and the impact on the environment are far from negligible.

In this article, we offer a small study to discover the advantages and disadvantages. You will finally know which one to choose for safe and responsible daily use.

What are the differences between tap water and bottled water? 

It is time to understand the disparities regarding origins, mineral composition, and treatment processes. These characteristics influence the quality of the water you consume, as well as its impact on both health and the environment. 

Be aware of the origin and composition of waters

Tap water in France mainly comes from underground sources such as aquifers or surface water bodies (rivers and lakes). These waters are filtered by the soils and contain mineral salts: calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonates. However, the composition varies significantly from one region to another.

Regarding bottled water, we have two categories.

• Natural mineral waters: these are protected underground sources. Their composition is stable and meets specific criteria. No chemical treatment is allowed, preserving the characteristics in terms of taste and benefits. 
• Spring waters: they are of underground origin, but they do not only have a stable mineral composition. They are always drinkable at the source.

Treatment processes and regulations 

Tap water undergoes a rigorous process (potabilization) with filtration and chlorination steps. It is made potable through ultraviolet treatment to eliminate bacteria, viruses, pesticides, pollutants, and heavy metals. It is governed by strict health standards and monitored by the National Agency for Health Security (ANSES). Tap water in France is subject to investigation, but there are sometimes contaminations after severe weather. 

Natural mineral waters must be bottled directly at the source without chemical treatment. Spring waters, on the other hand, undergo limited treatments to meet specific quality standards. Controls include regular analyses to check for the presence of contaminants. It was following an alert that Nestlé destroyed 2 million bottles of Perrier that contained fecal matter. 

Consumption of tap or bottled water: what impact on health?

Natural mineral water is recognized for its richness in mineral salts, which play an important role in maintaining good health. However, the composition of tap water varies from one region to another. Levels may be lower than those of bottled mineral water.

• Calcium strengthens bones, teeth, and is ideal for improving blood clotting.
• Magnesium helps regulate blood pressure and supports nerve and muscle function.
• Potassium contributes to cardiovascular health and balances fluid levels in the body.

What are the contamination risks associated with water? 

Tap water contains lead residues from old pipes. There is also chlorine used for disinfection or other chemical substances. It is subject to strict standards, and controls are carried out regularly, but the process is not infallible. You can also find information on the quality of the French network thanks to the ministry.

Despite all precautions, in Vercors last January, about twenty teenagers were poisoned in a shelter due to tap water. 

Regarding bottled water, it contains microplastics and various contaminants due to packaging. 

The cost comparison between tap water and bottled water 

Tap water is by far the most economical option. One liter of water costs on average 0.003 euro compared to 0.50 euro for a liter of bottled water. For example, over a year, the difference can be significant. Let's imagine you need to consume around 1.5 liters per day.

• Tap water: 2 euros per year.
• Bottled water: 270 euros per year. 

This cost difference is explained by production costs, packaging, distribution... Moreover, tap water is much more accessible. Available 24 hours a day, it requires neither purchase nor transport. In contrast, bottled water imposes logistical constraints: regular acquisition, transport from the store, and storage at home. 

These aspects make its use less practical on a daily basis, especially for families or people living in a small apartment. 

The environmental consequences of this tap and bottled water 

The carbon footprint and plastic waste management are elements to consider. Tap water has an advantage since you have no waste. You significantly reduce the use of plastics that invade the oceans.

On the contrary, bottled water is associated with massive plastic production. Even though recycling is encouraged in many French cities, a large part ends up in the environment. This inevitably contributes to pollution and the increase in CO2 emissions related to production and transport. 

What eco-friendly alternatives to bottled or tap water? 

The filtering carafe allows you to filter tap water, reduce contaminants, but you need to change the filters quite often, which leads to waste. Reusable glass bottles reduce the use of plastics. However, they are much heavier and more fragile, making transport more delicate.

We offer you at Weeplow, the gravity filter combined with activated charcoal. It reduces the presence of all contaminants by 99% and you do not have to use electricity. Transport is facilitated and you consume tap water, that from rivers, lakes without all the inconveniences.

Should you choose between tap water or bottled water? 

A few criteria should help you make a decision.

Compared to cost, safety, and environmental impact, tap water is significantly better. However, after bad weather, it can be contaminated.

Indeed, the most delightful solution we recommend is to use a charcoal filter. It eliminates the unpleasant taste, removes all contaminants, including heavy metals, as well as pesticides, and the budget is more affordable. Moreover, you retain all the mineral salts from this tap water.