Johnston County - East

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Is Bottled Water Better Than Tap Water?

Bottled water now stands as the second largest commercial beverage category in the United States, with sales showing consistent growth. Despite costing more than tap water, it remains the fastest expanding segment in the beverage industry, trailing only soft drinks. Consumers choose bottled water for various reasons: convenience, healthier alternative to sugary beverages like sodas and fruit juices, etc.

Much of bottled water's popularity stems from marketing campaigns suggesting it's cleaner and safer than tap water. But is this claim accurate, and does the extra expense justify itself? Here are the facts:

• Public water utilities follow Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act
• Bottled water companies adhere to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
• Regulations for bottled water are less comprehensive than those governing municipal water utilities
• Tap water costs less than a penny per gallon, while bottled water can exceed a dollar per gallon depending on package size
• Tap water contains small amounts of disinfectants that protect against bacteria and microbes; most bottled water lacks these safeguards
• Once opened, bottled water shouldn't be stored long-term due to lack of preservatives
• Tap water contains fluoride at safe levels recommended by the American Dental Association, helping prevent tooth decay in children