Here's Why Bottled Water Is One of The Biggest Scams of The Century

[Hamartia Antidote]

http://www.sciencealert.com/15-fact...er-is-one-of-the-biggest-scams-of-the-century

Here's Why Bottled Water Is One of The Biggest Scams of The Century

There's nothing quite like the feeling of pure, ice-cold hydration. Some of us get our water for free from the tap. The rest pay for it - at the cost of roughly $US100 billion a year.

At that steep a price tag, you might assume buying the bottled stuff would be worth it. In most cases, you'd be wrong.

For the vast majority of Americans, a glass from the tap and a glass from the bottle are virtually identical as far as their health and nutritional quality are concerned. In some cases, publicly-sourced tap may actually be safer since it is usually tested more frequently.

There are exceptions, however - people living near private wells do not enjoy the same rigorous testing as those whose water comes from public sources, and some public sources are not properly screened, as was recently seen in Flint, Michigan.

But there are plenty of reasons to stop shelling out for bottled water. Read on to find out all the things you didn't know about your drinking water.

The first documented case of bottled water being sold was in Boston in the 1760s, when a company called Jackson's Spa bottled and sold mineral water for 'therapeutic' uses. Companies in Saratoga Springs and Albany also appear to have packaged and sold water.

Boston circa 1841. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Across the globe, people drink roughly 10% more bottled water every year, but Americans continue to consume more packaged H2O than people in other countries do.

At 12.8 billion gallons (48.5 billion litres), or 39 gallons (148 litres) per person, Americans today drink more bottled water than milk or beer. Last year was the first time Americans drank more bottled water than soda.

"Bottled water effectively reshaped the beverage marketplace," Michael C. Bellas, Beverage Marketing's chairman and CEO, said in a recent statement.

It's not cheap. At an average cost of US$1.22 per gallon (3.8 litres), we're spending 300 times more on bottled water than we'd spend to drink from the tap. But that number could be even higher, some analysts have pointed out, since most sales are for single bottles.

Soda companies are aware of how lucrative bottled water can be -- corporations from Coca-Cola to PepsiCo have been investing in bottled water. Pepsi recently bought a 30-second Super Bowl ad to debut its new premium bottled water brand 'LIFEWTR.'

PepsiCo

But research suggests that for most Americans, the stuff in a bottle is not better for you than the stuff in your tap.

In fact, a recent report found that almost half of all bottled water is actually derived from the tap. In 2007, Pepsi (Aquafina) and Nestle (Pure Life) had to change their labels to more accurately reflect this.

Tap water is also typically tested for quality and contamination more frequently than bottled water. The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for conducting those tests.

Still, the quality of your tap can vary considerably based on where you live. According to EPA law, you should receive an annual drinking water quality report, or Consumer Confidence Report, by July 1 that details where your water comes from and what's in it. You can use this link to find yours.

However, if you live in one of the 15 million (mostly rural) US households that gets drinking water from a private well, the EPA isn't keeping an eye on your water quality.

"It is the responsibility of the homeowner to maintain the safety of their water," the agency states on its website.

Research suggests that the water from many of these wells is not safe to drink. In a 2011 report, 13 percent of the private wells that geologists tested were found to contain at least one element (like arsenic or uranium) at a concentration that exceeded national guidelines.

The recent resurgence in bottled water's popularity may be due to rising concerns about the purity of tap water. A recent Gallup poll found that 63 percent of Americans worried a 'great deal' about the pollution in drinking water -- the highest percentage since 2001.

And when it comes to taste, most of us probably can't tell the difference. A recent blind taste test survey by students at Boston University found that only a third of the taste-testers identified the tap water sample correctly.

Making bottled water is also an extensive, resource-heavy process. A study in the journal Environmental Research Letters found that roughly 32-54 million barrels of oil went into producing the amount of bottled water consumed in the US in 2007.

It also takes more water to make a bottle of water than it does to fill it. A recent study from the International Bottled Water Association found that North American companies use 1.39 litres (45 oz) of water to make one litre of the bottled stuff.

So think twice the next time you consider buying a case of bottled water. To double check that your local tap water is clean, look up your region's Consumer Confidence Report. If you can't find it, contact your local representative.

 

[jetray]

http://www.sciencealert.com/15-fact...er-is-one-of-the-biggest-scams-of-the-century

Here's Why Bottled Water Is One of The Biggest Scams of The Century

There's nothing quite like the feeling of pure, ice-cold hydration. Some of us get our water for free from the tap. The rest pay for it - at the cost of roughly $US100 billion a year.

At that steep a price tag, you might assume buying the bottled stuff would be worth it. In most cases, you'd be wrong.

For the vast majority of Americans, a glass from the tap and a glass from the bottle are virtually identical as far as their health and nutritional quality are concerned. In some cases, publicly-sourced tap may actually be safer since it is usually tested more frequently.

There are exceptions, however - people living near private wells do not enjoy the same rigorous testing as those whose water comes from public sources, and some public sources are not properly screened, as was recently seen in Flint, Michigan.

But there are plenty of reasons to stop shelling out for bottled water. Read on to find out all the things you didn't know about your drinking water.

The first documented case of bottled water being sold was in Boston in the 1760s, when a company called Jackson's Spa bottled and sold mineral water for 'therapeutic' uses. Companies in Saratoga Springs and Albany also appear to have packaged and sold water.

Boston circa 1841. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Across the globe, people drink roughly 10% more bottled water every year, but Americans continue to consume more packaged H2O than people in other countries do.

At 12.8 billion gallons (48.5 billion litres), or 39 gallons (148 litres) per person, Americans today drink more bottled water than milk or beer. Last year was the first time Americans drank more bottled water than soda.

"Bottled water effectively reshaped the beverage marketplace," Michael C. Bellas, Beverage Marketing's chairman and CEO, said in a recent statement.

It's not cheap. At an average cost of US$1.22 per gallon (3.8 litres), we're spending 300 times more on bottled water than we'd spend to drink from the tap. But that number could be even higher, some analysts have pointed out, since most sales are for single bottles.

Soda companies are aware of how lucrative bottled water can be -- corporations from Coca-Cola to PepsiCo have been investing in bottled water. Pepsi recently bought a 30-second Super Bowl ad to debut its new premium bottled water brand 'LIFEWTR.'

PepsiCo

But research suggests that for most Americans, the stuff in a bottle is not better for you than the stuff in your tap.

In fact, a recent report found that almost half of all bottled water is actually derived from the tap. In 2007, Pepsi (Aquafina) and Nestle (Pure Life) had to change their labels to more accurately reflect this.

Tap water is also typically tested for quality and contamination more frequently than bottled water. The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for conducting those tests.

Still, the quality of your tap can vary considerably based on where you live. According to EPA law, you should receive an annual drinking water quality report, or Consumer Confidence Report, by July 1 that details where your water comes from and what's in it. You can use this link to find yours.

However, if you live in one of the 15 million (mostly rural) US households that gets drinking water from a private well, the EPA isn't keeping an eye on your water quality.

"It is the responsibility of the homeowner to maintain the safety of their water," the agency states on its website.

Research suggests that the water from many of these wells is not safe to drink. In a 2011 report, 13 percent of the private wells that geologists tested were found to contain at least one element (like arsenic or uranium) at a concentration that exceeded national guidelines.

The recent resurgence in bottled water's popularity may be due to rising concerns about the purity of tap water. A recent Gallup poll found that 63 percent of Americans worried a 'great deal' about the pollution in drinking water -- the highest percentage since 2001.

And when it comes to taste, most of us probably can't tell the difference. A recent blind taste test survey by students at Boston University found that only a third of the taste-testers identified the tap water sample correctly.

Making bottled water is also an extensive, resource-heavy process. A study in the journal Environmental Research Letters found that roughly 32-54 million barrels of oil went into producing the amount of bottled water consumed in the US in 2007.

It also takes more water to make a bottle of water than it does to fill it. A recent study from the International Bottled Water Association found that North American companies use 1.39 litres (45 oz) of water to make one litre of the bottled stuff.

So think twice the next time you consider buying a case of bottled water. To double check that your local tap water is clean, look up your region's Consumer Confidence Report. If you can't find it, contact your local representative.

Might be partially true, in some places where piping is really old then it makes sense to buy bottled water. But other than that bottled / mineral water is absolute scam. This is more visible in hotels where they dont keep bottled water in the room but need to get it from outside vending machine or order one. Just another smart way of making money.

 

[Hamartia Antidote]

Might be partially true, in some places where piping is really old then it makes sense to buy bottled water. But other than that bottled / mineral water is absolute scam. This is more visible in hotels where they dont keep bottled water in the room but need to get it from outside vending machine or order one. Just another smart way of making money.

Well also since many people were born abroad they have innate suspicions about the quality of tap water. So it is easier to get them all paranoid and convince them bottled water is simply the way to go.

 

[Malik Alashter]

I saw a report few days ago about drinking water here in the US that report really scare me it says more than 60% contain harmful materials but the thing is they didn't mention if it is the tap one or the bottle any I quit bottle water for like 8 years ago when my neighbor who's an old man told me he consumed not the bottle one.

 

[Jlaw]

I saw a report few days ago about drinking water here in the US that report really scare me it says more than 60% contain harmful materials but the thing is they didn't mention if it is the tap one or the bottle any I quit bottle water for like 8 years ago when my neighbor who's an old man told me he consumed not the bottle one.

People either boil the tap water or use some sort of filtration for drinking water in north america, ie. Reverse osmosis

 

[Hamartia Antidote]

I saw a report few days ago about drinking water here in the US that report really scare me it says more than 60% contain harmful materials but the thing is they didn't mention if it is the tap one or the bottle any I quit bottle water for like 8 years ago when my neighbor who's an old man told me he consumed not the bottle one.

That report was probably from the "Natural Resources Defense Council" which is some non-governmental watchdog group. They monitor water system violations across the country reported by the EPA.

The EPA requires periodic tests in the water systems for a whole bunch of issues including:
1) Water disinfectant levels (treatment chemicals)
2) Bacteria counts (not necessarily bad bacteria)
3) Pathogens (like Cryptosporidium)
4) Nitrites/Nitrates (usually from dirty air pollution contaminating surface reservoirs after a rainstorm)
5) Lead/Copper levels (usually from piping or soil)
6) Radionuclides (found in underground rock formations)
7) Arsenic (found in soil/rock formations)
8) Synthetic Organics (like PCBs)
9) Inorganics (Fluoride levels, Cadmium, Chromium, etc)
10) Volatile Organics (chemical cleaners, solvents, petroleum)

Most people do not boil their water or have filtration systems unless they live in some designated hotspot area.

 

[XenoEnsi-14]

However, if you live in one of the 15 million (mostly rural) US households that gets drinking water from a private well, the EPA isn't keeping an eye on your water quality.

Which is why my water doesn't taste like bleachified city water. Otherwise I drink Fiji, Evian, and Icelandic Glacial when not at home.

 

[Malik Alashter]

That report was probably from the "Natural Resources Defense Council" which is some non-governmental watchdog group. They monitor water system violations across the country reported by the EPA.

The EPA requires periodic tests in the water systems for a whole bunch of issues including:
1) Water disinfectant levels (treatment chemicals)
2) Bacteria counts (not necessarily bad bacteria)
3) Pathogens (like Cryptosporidium)
4) Nitrites/Nitrates (usually from dirty air pollution contaminating surface reservoirs after a rainstorm)
5) Lead/Copper levels (usually from piping or soil)
6) Radionuclides (found in underground rock formations)
7) Arsenic (found in soil/rock formations)
8) Synthetic Organics (like PCBs)
9) Inorganics (Fluoride levels, Cadmium, Chromium, etc)
10) Volatile Organics (chemical cleaners, solvents, petroleum)

Most people do not boil their water or have filtration systems unless they live in some designated hotspot area.

you right

I live in nashville do you think I should worry since I don't boil the water neither use a filter.

 

[jetray]

Which is why my water doesn't taste like bleachified city water. Otherwise I drink Fiji, Evian, and Icelandic Glacial when not at home.

After getting used to bleached water taste, I never get the satisfaction of thirst being quenched with bottle water. I simply feel that water is bland and cant help emptying the water bottle.

 

[Hamartia Antidote]

you right

I live in nashville do you think I should worry since I don't boil the water neither use a filter.

Nashville doesn't seem to have any violations.
Click on the map on this page:
https://www.nrdc.org/resources/threats-tap-widespread-violations-water-infrastructure

 

[LA se Karachi]

Well also since many people were born abroad they have innate suspicions about the quality of tap water. So it is easier to get them all paranoid and convince them bottled water is simply the way to go.

It's ironic because people should have innate suspicions about the quality (and safety) of bottled water:

"The Safe Drinking Water Act empowers EPA to require water testing by certified laboratories and that violations be reported within a specified time frame. Public water systems must also provide reports to customers about their water, noting its source, evidence of contaminants and compliance with regulations.

By comparison, GAO said, FDA regulates bottled water as a food and cannot require certified lab testing or violation reporting. Furthermore, FDA does not require bottled water companies to disclose to consumers where the water came from, how it has been treated or what contaminants it contains. In a survey of 188 brands of bottled water released yesterday, the nonprofit Environmental Working Group found only two providing such information about its product to consumers."

http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/0...tions-for-bottled-water-than-tap-g-33331.html

 

[Hamartia Antidote]

It's ironic because people should have innate suspicions about the quality (and safety) of bottled water:

"The Safe Drinking Water Act empowers EPA to require water testing by certified laboratories and that violations be reported within a specified time frame. Public water systems must also provide reports to customers about their water, noting its source, evidence of contaminants and compliance with regulations.

By comparison, GAO said, FDA regulates bottled water as a food and cannot require certified lab testing or violation reporting. Furthermore, FDA does not require bottled water companies to disclose to consumers where the water came from, how it has been treated or what contaminants it contains. In a survey of 188 brands of bottled water released yesterday, the nonprofit Environmental Working Group found only two providing such information about its product to consumers."

http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/0...tions-for-bottled-water-than-tap-g-33331.html

Yep! I can't convince my overseas born wife this. Luckily Poland Spring is less than $5 for a case of 40 bottles.

 

[LA se Karachi]

Yep! I can't convince my overseas born wife this.

I understand where her feelings come from. When I go to Pakistan (or other countries that aren't wealthy), I always drink bottled water when outside our relatives' houses. Our first-world immune systems aren't used to the microbials found in that water.

But here in the US, tap water is heavily regulated and constantly tested, unlike bottled water. I avoid bottled water as much as possible.

Have her watch this:

And read this:

http://www.rd.com/health/diet-weight-loss/rethink-what-you-drink/

 

[Hamartia Antidote]

Our first-world immune systems aren't used to the microbials found in that water.

I joke with my wife that she can eat/drink stuff that would be put me in a hospital intensive care unit.

But here in the US, tap water is heavily regulated and constantly tested, unlike bottled water. I avoid bottled water as much as possible.

Have her watch this:

And read this:

http://www.rd.com/health/diet-weight-loss/rethink-what-you-drink/

Certainly the chemicals in the plastics are a concern.
I remember the big BPA endocrine disruptor fuss a few years back. We had to send back baby bottles and have them replaced with BPA-free ones (only to hear the replacement plastic may e be just as bad). You have to wonder how plastic bottles are handled in other countries.