Ever stood in front of the drinks aisle, staring at those neatly stacked bottles of water, and thought, "Am I really about to pay for something I can get at home practically for free?" You're not alone.
The battle between bottled water and tap water has been flowing for years.
So, is bottled water better than tap? Let’s dive into it—no snorkel required.
Bottled Water vs Tap Water – What’s the Difference?
At first sip, you might not notice much difference. But there’s more to this debate than just taste.
Where Does It Come From?
- Tap water in the UK is drawn from rivers, reservoirs, and underground sources. It goes through a rigorous treatment process before flowing into your home.
- Bottled water might come from similar sources, with some labels boasting of natural springs and minerals. But here’s the kicker—many brands are just repackaged, filtered tap water.
Is Bottled Water Safer Than Tap Water?
One of the biggest reasons people buy bottled water is safety. But is bottled water actually safer?
Who’s Keeping an Eye on Your Water?
Tap water is regulated by Ofwat and the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) in the UK, ensuring it meets strict safety standards. Bottled water falls under Food Standards Agency (FSA) oversight, but here’s the catch—it doesn’t always face the same scrutiny.
Tap water gets tested for contaminants multiple times a day. Bottled water? Maybe once a week. Not exactly confidence-inspiring.
What’s Actually in Your Water?
Both bottled and tap water can contain:
- Microplastics – Over 90% of bottled water samples tested contain them.
- Chlorine – Present in tap water to keep it bacteria-free.
- Fluoride – Added to tap water in some areas for dental health benefits.
- Minerals – Found naturally in spring and mineral water, but also present in tap water.
In most developed countries, tap water is just as safe—if not safer—than bottled alternatives.
The Costs: Is Bottled Water Worth Your Money?
How Much Are You Paying?
The average cost of tap water in the UK is about £0.003 per litre. Bottled water? Anywhere between 50p to £2 per litre.
That means bottled water can cost you up to 600 times more than tap water. Imagine paying that markup for anything else—£300 for a £0.50 apple? Outrageous.
The Environmental Price Tag
Plastic bottles don’t just cost money—they cost the planet.
- Over 8 million tonnes of plastic end up in the ocean each year.
- Millions of bottles are tossed into landfills instead of being recycled.
- Producing bottled water uses three times the amount of water that actually ends up in the bottle.
Environmental Impact – A Growing Problem
The Plastic Waste Crisis
Bottled water’s biggest flaw? Plastic waste. Even if you recycle, many bottles still find their way into oceans and landfills.
Tap Water’s Carbon Footprint – Is It Greener?
Tap water is significantly more eco-friendly. The energy required to produce and transport bottled water is 1,000 times higher than tap.
A simple swap—filtered tap water and a reusable bottle—can make a world of difference.
Taste Test – Is Bottled Water Actually Better?
Some claim bottled water tastes superior. But does it?
Why Do Some People Prefer Bottled Water?
- Minerals – Different mineral compositions can affect taste.
- Chlorine – Some find tap water’s disinfectant taste off-putting.
- Psychology – Studies show many people can’t tell the difference in blind taste tests!
If tap water’s taste bothers you, a charcoal or carbon filter can improve it instantly.
Bottled Water vs Tap Water – Which Should You Choose?
When Bottled Water Makes Sense
- Travelling abroad – If the local tap water isn’t safe to drink.
- Emergency situations – Bottled water is essential during natural disasters.
- Carbonated or flavoured preferences – Sometimes, you just want that extra fizz or flavour.
Why Tap Water (or Filtered Tap Water) is the Better Everyday Choice
- More regulated
- Significantly cheaper
- Lower environmental impact
- Tastes just as good with proper filtration
Key Takeaways
Tap water is highly regulated and often safer than bottled water. Bottled water is drastically more expensive and contributes to plastic pollution. The taste difference is largely psychological—a simple filter can enhance tap water. For health, budget, and sustainability, filtered tap water is usually the smartest option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the healthiest water to drink?
Clean, mineral-rich water with no harmful contaminants. Filtered tap water often checks all the boxes.
Does boiling tap water make it better?
Boiling kills bacteria but won’t remove chemicals or microplastics. A good water filter is a better long-term fix.
Why does bottled water expire?
The water doesn’t go bad, but over time, chemicals from the plastic bottle can leach into it.
So, is bottled water better than tap? Unless you’re in a place with unsafe water or in an emergency, the answer is a firm no. Switching to tap water—especially filtered—saves money, protects the environment, and keeps you just as hydrated.
Next time you’re about to reach for that bottled water, ask yourself: do you really need it, or is tap water the real champion?
Photo courtesy of Depositphotos.com
