New research suggests that tap water may be the safer option for daily water intake in most areas of the world. Bottled water in the US is often not subject to the same rigorous quality and safety checks as tap water, allowing for more harmful chemicals to leach in.
Between 10 and 78% of bottled water samples contain contaminants, including microplastics and phthalates. The long-term effects of these contaminants remain unknown, and reliance on bottled water incurs significant health, financial, and environmental costs. Tap water is also a greener option, as plastic water bottles make up the second most common ocean pollutant.