WHAT’S IN YOUR WATER? BOTTLED WATER SAFETY AND HEALTHIER ALTERNATIVES

Plastic use is still snowballing worldwide, with production exceeding 368 million tons in 2019. One of the most significant contributors to global plastic consumption is bottled water.

Bottled water has become a staple in many households, offices, and on-the-go lifestyles. It is convenient, easily accessible, and marketed as a healthier alternative to tap water. However, have you ever stopped to think about what is in your bottled water? Is it as safe and healthy as it claims to be? Recent data suggests bottled water might be worse than tap water for overall health.

This article looks closer at bottled water safety and its potential health effects, exploring alternative options for safer hydration.

Highlights

• The safety of bottled water over tap water is a myth. In some cases, bottled water contains more contaminants than tap water.
• Bottled water makes a substantial contribution to plastic waste. The manufacture, transportation, and removal of disposable water bottles generate a considerable amount of plastic pollution.
• There are many healthier and more sustainable alternatives to bottled water, such as tap water, filtered water, and reusable water bottles.

Bottled Water Under the Microscope: Risks and Concerns

As it turns out, science now challenges the idea that bottled water is safer than tap water.

Plastic particles are associated with the worst health effects caused by bottled water. Bottled water can also contain chemical contaminants with an equally detrimental impact. These compounds can pollute the environment, incorporating into the natural water cycle and causing more harm than previously thought.

Microplastics and Nanoplastics

Microplastics are minuscule plastic particles, less than 5 millimeters in size, that contaminate bottled water. Nanoplastics, even smaller particles of plastic, have also been found in bottled water. These particles develop when larger plastic items break down, leaching from the bottle's plastic. They can also come directly from the water source itself.

Micro and nano plastics can enter our cells and cause worse damage, leading to various health issues. While the long-term health effects of ingesting microplastics are still under study, they may cause chronic low-grade inflammation, lower immune function, and reproductive problems. Studies show that they are in various human tissues already, including the blood, lungs, and gut.

Findings reveal that bottled water contains 100 times more plastic particles than expected.^[1]

Researchers analyzed bottled water brands, finding particle levels ranging from 110,000 to 400,000 per liter, with an average of 240,000. 10% were microplastics (5mm to 1μm) and the rest were nanoplastics (<1μm). A human hair is about 70μm thick.

How Microplastics Enter the Body

The most significant way humans consume plastic particles is via ingestion, yet they can also enter the body through inhalation and skin contact.

Cells can take them up through various mechanisms, with passive membrane diffusion being the most common. Once inside cells, microplastics and nanoplastics can accumulate in multiple cellular compartments, including the cytoplasm, nucleus, and mitochondria.

Plastic particles have variable impacts on cells depending on their size, shape, composition, and cell type. Exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics has led to several health problems in mice, including inflammation, oxidative stress, cell death, metabolic disease, and cancer.^[2]

Plastic Particles Increase Toxin Absorption and Infection Risk

In addition to the immediate impact of plastic particles on cells, plastic particles can compound health problems and body toxicity by carrying other harmful substances, such as pollutants or pathogens.

Plastic microparticles and nanoparticles may increase the risk of infection in several ways. For example:

• They provide a surface for pathogens to attach and adhere to, increasing their persistence and ability to spread.
• Plastic particles aggregate with microbes and promote biofilm formation.
• Their presence changes the surface charge of microbes, enhancing microbial absorption, affecting immune defenses, and promoting infection susceptibility.
• Some studies suggest that plastic particles can also cause pathogens to release more toxins, possibly due to their inflammatory effects.

Further research is needed to fully understand these mechanisms and develop effective strategies to mitigate the risk of infection from plastic pollution.

Overall, the potential health effects of plastic particles are a serious concern. More research is needed to fully understand these particles' risks and develop effective strategies for reducing exposure.

Chemical Contaminants

According to the Environmental Working Group, bottled water can contain a variety of chemical contaminants, including disinfection byproducts, fertilizer residue, and industrial chemicals.^[3] These contaminants can have adverse health effects, such as hormone disturbance, reproductive issues, and even cancer.

Studies found microscopic amounts of the following substances across several bottled water brands^[4]:

Type	Examples
Organic Contaminants	Benzene, Trichloroethylene (TCE), Tetrachloroethylene (PCE), Vinyl chloride, Acetone, Trihalomethanes (THMs), Bisphenol A (BPA), Phthalates, Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), Chlorinated solvents, Pesticides, Herbicides, Fungicides, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), Dioxins, Furans
Inorganic Contaminants	Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium, Chromium, Mercury, Nitrates, Fluoride, Aluminum, Radioactive isotopes, Heavy metals

Additionally, plastic bottles can leach additional chemicals into the water above plastics, especially when exposed to heat or sunlight. This process can lead to the ingestion of harmful substances, such as BPA (bisphenol A), which may give rise to health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

The amounts of these impurities vary depending on the source and manufacturing process. Some bottled water brands sell water with higher levels of pollutants than others.

Environmental Impact of Bottled Water

Aside from potential health risks, bottled water has a significant environmental impact. Plastic bottle production, transportation, and disposal contribute to pollution. Only approximately 20% of plastic water bottles get recycled, with the rest entering landfills or oceans.^[5]

Chemical pollutants and microplastics enter the water cycle from various sources, causing environmental harm. For example:

• Industrial chemicals, fertilizers, and disinfection byproducts contaminate water through runoff, wastewater discharge, and improper disposal.
• Microplastics result from plastic waste breakdown and improper disposal in rivers, lakes, and oceans.
• These pollutants persist in water, harming aquatic ecosystems and organisms. Microplastics are mistaken for food, accumulate in the food chain, and leach harmful chemicals.

Furthermore, producing plastic bottles requires energy and resources, contributing to carbon emissions and climate change. With the increasing demand for bottled water, the environmental impact will only grow.

To address this, we must reduce single-use plastics, improve waste management, and regulate chemical release. Promoting awareness and education is also vital for sustainable practices.

Safer Hydration Alternatives

Ultimately, staying informed and making better decisions about our drinking water is essential. Educating oneself includes researching tap water quality, choosing safer alternatives to bottled water, and supporting clean water initiatives.

We can lessen looming environmental burdens and improve our health by making small changes, such as investing in a reusable water bottle or using a filtration system.

Here are some safer hydration alternatives to consider:

Tap Water and Its Safety

Contrary to popular belief, tap water is generally safe to drink in the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) controls tap water safety and sets standards for drinking water quality, limiting the quantities for over 90 contaminants.^[6]

While developing countries implement similar guidelines to the US EPA, global access and quality drinking water vary, particularly in rural and low-income areas.^[7] Developing countries face challenges with microbiological and chemical contamination. Waterborne diseases are common, alongside pathogens, heavy metals, chemicals, and radioactive waste pollution.^[8]

Tap water contamination occasionally occurs in developed countries as well. Moreover, some areas may have higher levels of specific contaminants.

It is essential to stay informed about your local water quality and take necessary precautions, such as using a filtration system if required.

Filtration Systems

Filtration systems, such as pitchers or faucet filters, can help remove impurities from tap water. These systems can be an affordable and convenient option for safer drinking water. They are necessary if you live in an area prone to water contamination.

Not all filtration systems are made equal. Research and choose a filtration system that effectively removes the contaminants present in your water.

When looking for the best water filtration systems, there are several factors you may want to consider, including:

1. Effective filtration: Look for systems certified by reputable organizations like NSF International to remove contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, metals, and chemicals.
2. Multiple filtration stages: Choose systems with sediment, carbon, reverse osmosis, or UV stages to ensure thorough purification.
3. Easy to use and maintain: Consider installation, filter replacement, and maintenance.
4. Flow rate: Match the system's flow rate to your household's water consumption needs.
5. Long filter lifespan: Opt for filters with longer lifespans to reduce maintenance costs and inconvenience.
6. Certifications and testing: Look for systems that are independently tested and certified by credible organizations.
7. Cost and value: Assess upfront and ongoing costs concerning features, effectiveness, and lifespan.
8. Compatibility: Check if the system is compatible with your plumbing and water source, considering installation or modification requirements.

Considering these qualities, you can choose a water filtration system that provides clean, safe drinking water.

Sustainable Alternatives to Bottled Water

One of the most sustainable alternatives to bottled water is to invest in a reusable water bottle.

Healthier reusable bottle materials include glass, stainless steel, or BPA-free plastic. You can use them multiple times and reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles.

Additionally, many reusable bottles come with built-in filtration systems, making it easy to have clean, safe water on the go.

Clean Water Initiatives and Drinking Water Regulations

In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards clean water initiatives and stricter regulations for drinking water.

Health authorities want universal access to safe drinking water by 2030. This goal requires well-managed systems, independent surveillance, and monitoring to ensure safe water.

Organizations such as the Environmental Working Group and the Natural Resources Defense Council advocate for safer drinking water and stricter bottled water regulations.

Additionally, some states have implemented bottle deposit laws, where consumers pay a small fee for each bottle they purchase, which is refunded when they return the bottle for recycling. These initiatives aim to downsize waste and encourage recycling.

Conclusion

Bottled water may seem like a convenient and healthy option, but it is essential to consider the potential health risks and environmental impact. By exploring alternative options for hydration and supporting clean water initiatives, we can positively impact our health and the planet.

Remember to stay informed about your local water quality and make informed decisions about the water you drink. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

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