Food Talk: Bottled water versus tap water

QUESTION: Is bottled water a better choice than tap water?

ANSWER: There is not an easy answer to this question.  Environmentalists will say definitely not as they deal with all the plastic bottles left behind. Bottled water is being criticized for the negative environmental impact it is having.

There are some safety concerns, especially for infants and children. Some plastics contain a chemical called bisphenol A or BPA and are being researched by the U.S. National Toxicity Program. A study by the Natural Resources Defense Council concluded that bottle water is not safer or healthier than most tap water. Both are equally regulated. Both have the same safety factors to adhere to. In many cases bottled water is tap water. It is just sold in a plastic container.

One factor to consider when assessing the difference between tap and bottled water is the expense. A reporter for the New York Times calculated that drinking eight glasses of tap water a day, at New York City prices, would cost about 49 cents per year. The same amount of bottled water would cost $1,400 per year. That is a substantial increase for the same product.

The taste of tap water may differ in various parts of the country. This may cause people to choose bottled water. Some prefer flavored water and are willing to pay the additional cost. Just be sure there are no hidden sources of sugar. We need to encourage greater consumption of water. This is certainly a health benefit.

Most bottled waters are not fluoridated. Tap water usually has fluoride added. This is of particular concern for children and teenagers.

The bottom line is plain bottled water offers no significant nutritional advantage, the excessive use may have a negative impact on the environment, and it is very expensive. On the other hand, it has increased our intake of water which is good for our health. Many times we select water instead of a bottled, sugary drink. You make the decision for you based on your needs.

For more information about any nutrition issues, please call Ellen Jones, registered dietitian, at (479) 549-2425.