Water is an essential part of our daily lives, making up roughly 60% of our bodies and playing a crucial role in every function, from maintaining body temperature to aiding digestion. With the sheer amount of water we consume daily, it’s important to know what’s in the water we drink. When it comes to choosing between tap water and purified water, there are notable differences to consider, from safety and taste to convenience and health benefits.
Source and Treatment: Where Does Your Water Come From?
Tap Water
Tap water is supplied by local municipalities and sourced from lakes, rivers, or underground aquifers. It undergoes various treatments to make it safe for public consumption. Common processes include filtration, chemical disinfection (usually with chlorine), and sometimes fluoridation to support dental health. While tap water is generally safe to drink in most parts of the world, its safety can vary depending on the region and the infrastructure in place.
Purified Water
On the other hand, purified water has undergone additional purification processes to remove impurities, contaminants, and chemicals that may still be present after municipal treatment. The purification methods include reverse osmosis, distillation, or deionization. Bottled water labeled as purified has gone through one or more of these processes to ensure a higher level of purity.
The key difference here is the additional purification steps. While tap water meets basic safety requirements, purified water aims for a cleaner and more refined product, reducing or eliminating the potential presence of harmful chemicals or contaminants.
Safety and Health: Is There a Difference in Quality?
Tap Water
Municipal tap water is regulated by government agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States, which sets safety standards for public water systems. These agencies monitor water quality, test for contaminants, and ensure harmful substances remain below allowable levels. However, the presence of certain chemicals like chlorine and fluoride and the potential for heavy metals like lead to seep into the water through aging pipes can make some people wary of relying solely on tap water.
It’s worth noting that past tap water contamination events—like the Flint, Michigan water crisis—raised concerns about the safety of tap water in older cities with aging infrastructure. In cases where water pipes are corroded, or treatment plants fail to meet safety standards, harmful contaminants can still reach homes and businesses.
Purified Water
Purified water is often held to higher standards because of the additional steps taken to ensure cleanliness and purity. The rigorous purification processes remove contaminants that municipal treatments could miss, including chlorine, heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, and other impurities, making it a safer option for those concerned about the quality of their local tap water.
For individuals with compromised immune systems, those with young children, or people living in areas where the tap water infrastructure is less reliable, purified water offers an extra layer of protection and peace of mind.
Taste and Smell: Which Tastes Better?
Tap Water
The taste and smell of tap water can vary greatly depending on the region. This is often due to the presence of chemicals like chlorine, which is used to disinfect the water, and fluoride, which is added to promote dental health. While these substances are safe in small amounts, they can leave an aftertaste or smell that some people find unpleasant. Additionally, if your local water supply contains higher mineral content, this can affect the flavor, leaving a “metallic” or “earthy” taste.
Purified Water
Because purified water goes through processes like reverse osmosis, which removes the majority of dissolved solids, chemicals, and impurities, it tends to have a cleaner, crisper taste. The absence of chlorine and other chemicals also means that purified water doesn’t carry the sometimes off-putting smell that tap water can have. For those who prioritize taste in their drinking water, purified water often comes out on top in taste tests, making it a popular choice for many households.
Convenience and Accessibility: How Easy Is It to Access Each?
Tap Water
One of the biggest advantages of tap water is its convenience. In most developed areas, tap water is readily available at the turn of a faucet, making it a cost-effective and convenient option for hydration, cooking, and cleaning. There’s no need to worry about running out of water, and you can easily fill up reusable bottles and containers throughout the day.
However, the quality of tap water can vary depending on local infrastructure and water sources. This inconsistency may lead people to seek alternatives like home filtration systems or bottled purified water.
Purified Water
While purified water can be accessed via bottled water or home filtration systems, the convenience factor depends on how it’s obtained. Many companies, like Mountain Park Spring Water, offer delivery services, making it easy to deliver purified water directly to your home or office. This eliminates the need to buy bottled water at the store and ensures you always have a fresh supply of clean drinking water on hand.
With bottle refill services and home delivery options available, purified water is becoming more convenient for consumers looking for a reliable, high-quality water source.
Environmental Impact: Which Is More Eco-Friendly?
Tap Water
Tap water has a smaller environmental footprint compared to bottled water because it doesn’t require plastic packaging, transportation, or additional resources for purification. However, the environmental impact of tap water isn’t entirely negligible, especially when considering the infrastructure needed to treat and transport it. Additionally, the chemicals used in water treatment processes, like chlorine and fluoride, can have downstream effects on the environment.
That said, using tap water with a reusable water bottle is one of the most eco-friendly ways to stay hydrated.
Purified Water
Purified water is often associated with bottled water, which has a larger environmental footprint due to the use of plastic bottles and the energy required for transportation. While some purified water comes in recyclable packaging, the environmental costs of production, shipping, and disposal of plastic bottles can add up quickly. One way to minimize this impact is by opting for home water delivery services, which often use reusable bottles or filtration systems.
Mountain Park Spring Water, for example, offers eco-conscious water delivery options. Customers can refill their bottles or use filtration systems, which significantly reduces plastic waste.
Cost: Which Is More Affordable?
Tap Water
One of the primary advantages of tap water is its affordability. In most areas, tap water is extremely low-cost, making it an accessible option for households on a budget. When compared to bottled purified water, tap water is the clear winner in terms of price per gallon. However, the cost of purchasing filters or filtration systems to improve the taste and quality of tap water can add up over time.
Purified Water
Purified water, particularly when bought in individual bottles, is significantly more expensive than tap water. However, this cost reflects the additional purification processes it undergoes and the convenience of bottled or delivered water. That said, investing in a home filtration system or signing up for a water delivery service can help reduce the cost per gallon, especially when compared to regularly buying individual bottles of water from the store.
With delivery services like Mountain Park Spring Water, you can strike a balance between convenience and affordability, ensuring you have access to purified water without the recurring cost of store-bought bottled water.
Health Benefits: Is One Better for Your Health?
Tap Water
In most developed countries, tap water is treated to be safe for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, and in many cases, it contains added minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are beneficial for health. However, concerns remain about the presence of contaminants like chlorine, fluoride, and trace amounts of heavy metals. For those with sensitivities to these chemicals or living in areas with less reliable water treatment, tap water may not always be the healthiest option.
Purified Water
Purified water removes these potential contaminants, making it a cleaner option for hydration. For individuals with certain health conditions, such as weakened immune systems or chemical sensitivities, purified water can provide peace of mind by offering a safer and cleaner drinking option. Additionally, the improved taste and smell of purified water may encourage people to drink more of it, leading to better hydration overall.
Which One Is Right for You?
When weighing the differences between drinking tap water and purified water, it ultimately comes down to your priorities and lifestyle. If convenience and cost are at the top of your list, tap water is a solid option. However, if you’re concerned about contaminants, taste, or health, purified water is likely the better choice.
With Mountain Park Spring Water, getting purified water delivered right to your door is easier than ever. Whether you need bottled water or a filtration system for your home or office, we have you covered. Keep your family hydrated and healthy with refreshing, clean water delivered straight to you. Explore our delivery options and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with purified water.
