Bottled Water is NOT HEALTHIER than Tap Water, Especially in the Bay Area

OK... the following is an e-mail I just wrote to my roommate and dear friend. I'm so proud of it that I've decided to copy/paste it in here for all of you folks out there to share with your friends.

=======================================================

Leah –

I’ve prepared the following arguments just for you. I wrote this entire thing. Please read it through, and then cease and desist all further consumption of bottled water. I’m posting this shit to my blog in a second.

First off, it is a total myth that bottled water is healthier than tap water; tap water is actually healthier than bottled water, on average. Below you will find significant evidence supporting that statement.

Second, in the SF Bay Area, our tap water is actually amongst the cleanest water in the world, including bottled waters. That’s because all Bay Area tap water comes from the same source: the Sierra Nevadas. Specifically, Hetch Hetchy. Tests have consistently shown that this water is nearly 100% contaminant free, but far far far healthier for you than any bottled water you can buy. Below you will find significant evidence supporting that statement as well.

Third and finally, bottled water is a total waste of money. “The fact is that people pay from $1 to $4 a gallon for the perception of higher quality, when in fact the quality of bottled water is at best unknown! Over 90% of the cost of bottled water is in the bottle, lid and label.” (link #1) So for you, Leah, who are concerned with money… you should NOT be wasting money on a product that makes false claims of its health benefits and costs you assloads of cash at the same time.

Some key quotes on how bottled water is generally no better than tap:

• “The FDA, which regulates bottled water, states that "Companies that market bottled water as being safer than tap water are defrauding the American public."” (link #1)

• “There's no question that drinking water is essential to our survival. But does it matter whether it comes from the sink or the store? Not according to Benjamin Grumbles, head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's water programs. "It's an urban myth that bottled water is safer than tap water," he says. "Without a doubt, we have a drinking water system that's the envy of the world."” (link #5)

• “Most bottled water appears to be safe. Of the bottles we tested, the majority proved to be high quality and relatively free of contaminants. The quality of some brands [of bottled water] was spotty, however, and such products may pose a health risk, primarily for people with weakened immune systems (such as the frail elderly, some infants, transplant and cancer patients, or people with HIV/AIDS). About 22 percent of the brands we tested contained, in at least one sample, chemical contaminants at levels above strict state health limits. If consumed over a long period of time, some of these contaminants could cause cancer or other health problems.” (link #7)

• “Recent research suggests that there could be cause for concern [from the plastic in water bottles], and that the issue should be studied closely. Studies have shown that chemicals called phthalates, which are known to disrupt testosterone and other hormones, can leach into bottled water over time. One study found that water that had been stored for 10 weeks in plastic and in glass bottles contained phthalates, suggesting that the chemicals could be coming from the plastic cap or liner. Although there are regulatory standards limiting phthalates in tap water, there are no legal limits for phthalates in bottled water -- the bottled water industry waged a successful campaign opposing the FDA proposal to set a legal limit for these chemicals.” (link #7)

• “"A common misconception is that bottled water is better than tap water. All drinking water has to meet the same [minimum] standard," says Dale Kemery, a spokesman for the Environmental Protection Agency.” (link #12)
  

Some key quotes on how GREAT the water is in the Bay Area:

• ““It turned out that they got it wrong; that the drinking water here in the Bay Area throughout Public Utilities Commission turned out to be the finest that the association that did the testing had ever tasted,” Newsom continued. “Not only was it the safest and the cleanest — they were mesmerized by how clean it was because for every single thing they tested, which were not necessarily known contaminants, this is the next phase of testing into the future, they couldn’t find anything that led to any concern,” the mayor reported.” (link #9)

• “While most cities and states have to drink treated water, San Francisco has "bragging rights over pure Hetch Hetchy Reservoir water surrounded by nearly 500 square miles of Yosemite Valley wilderness." Snap.” (link #10)

• “"You guys have the best water that we tested. Period," Snyder said of San Francisco's drinking water. "I don't think we've ever tested drinking water that didn't have any of our target compounds in it." … San Francisco's utility serves 2.4 million customers in the city and in Alameda, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.” (link #11)

Sites describing how tap water is BETTER than bottled water (1-8), and how Bay Area water is better than bottled water (9-13):

1. "Bottled Water Facts"
2. “Bottled water may not be better, environmental group reports”
3. “Bottled Water Isn’t Healthier than Tap”
4. “Bad to the last drop”
5. “Is Bottled Water Better Than Tap?”
6. “Bottled Water: Pure Drink or Pure Hype?”
7. Bottled Water FAQ from the Natural Resources Defense Council
8. “Bottled Water no better than tap water, sometimes worse”
9. “San Francisco tap water said better than bottled water”
10. “San Francisco's Tap Water Reigns Supreme”
11. “S.F.'s Tap Water Best in Tests, Chemists Say”
12. “Latest Gourmet Offering: Tap Water”
13. “For the Love of Tap Water”

So…. No more bottled water for you, Leah. EVER. $15 for a SIIG and that’s all you use from now on. No more excuses!!

Love,
G