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Bottled water has surged in U.S. popularity, with many believing it safer than tap. Yet about 64% of bottled water comes from municipal supplies

— the same sources as household taps. Some companies add purification, but others make minimal changes before reselling at high markups.

Quality concerns exist. Brands like Walmart’s Sam’s Choice and Giant’s Acadia have faced criticism for exceeding California’s safety limits.

Others, such as Gerber Pure, Nestlé Pure Life, and Penta Ultra-Purified, are praised for

transparent sourcing and advanced purification like reverse osmosis and distillation.

Ironically, U.S. tap water often undergoes stricter testing. The EPA requires frequent testing and public reporting,

while bottled water falls under FDA rules with less oversight. Pollutants such as arsenic, bacteria,

and microplastics have been detected in bottled samples. Packaging adds risk too, as bottles can shed plastic particles.

The environmental toll is also massive: billions of plastic bottles are produced yearly,

relying on fossil fuels and filling landfills and oceans. Recycling remains energy-intensive and inefficient.

The takeaway: bottled water isn’t always cleaner or safer. Tap water often meets higher

standards at lower cost. Using a home filter and reusable bottle protects health and reduces environmental harm.