Why Experts Say It’s Time to Stop Drinking Bottled Water

A study that analyzed 259 bottles of water from various brands found that 93% showed signs of microplastic contamination. Researchers found an average of 10.4 microplastic particles larger than 100 micrometers per liter of bottled water.¹

To put that into perspective, if you drink the recommended eight glasses of water daily from plastic bottles, you could ingest over 80 tiny pieces of plastic daily.

Moreover, the bottled water industry is projected to reach $334 billion by 2023, with Americans alone purchasing an estimated 50 billion water bottles annually.²

But before you reach for that next bottle, you might want to consider what’s lurking in your “pure” water – and why experts advocate for a shift in our drinking habits.

The Invisible Threat: Microplastics & Their Health Implications

Microplastics, defined as plastic fragments less than 5 millimeters in size, have been found in alarming quantities in bottled water from various brands. (ref) These particles can leach from the plastic packaging, especially when exposed to high temperatures or stored for extended periods.

The health implications of ingesting these microplastics are still being researched, but early studies suggest they may act as carriers for harmful chemicals and microorganisms.

Some of the most concerning additives found in plastics include:

• Phthalates: Endocrine disruptors linked to developmental, reproductive, and neurological issues
• Bisphenol A (BPA): Banned in many countries due to its toxicity and potential to cause fertility problems, altered brain development, and cancer

The Climate Cost of Bottled Water

Beyond the direct health risks posed by microplastics, the production and disposal of plastic water bottles contribute significantly to the global climate crisis. The environmental impact of this massive consumption is staggering:

• Only 8.4% of plastic in the United States was recycled in 2017
• Plastic production and disposal contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion
• Discarded plastic bottles pollute ecosystems and harm wildlife

The entire lifecycle of bottled water, from manufacturing to transport and refrigeration, is a major contributor to energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. 

Tap Water: A Safer, More Sustainable Choice

In light of these findings, experts encourage consumers to switch to tap water as a safer and more sustainable alternative to bottled water. Tap water suppliers must undergo rigorous testing, meet EPA standards, and disclose their water sources, making it a more transparent and regulated option.

To ensure the safety of your tap water:

• Check your Consumer Confidence Report for contaminant levels
• Reach out to your local water supplier to inquire about water sources and treatment processes
• Consider using a water filter for added peace of mind

By switching to tap water and investing in reusable bottles, consumers can significantly reduce their exposure to microplastics while minimizing their environmental impact.

A Call to Action: Rethinking Our Relationship with Plastic

The revelation of microplastics in bottled water is a wake-up call for consumers and policymakers alike. We must rethink our relationship with single-use plastics and prioritize the development of more sustainable alternatives.

Supporting legislation like the Clean Water for All Act, which acknowledges access to clean water as a basic human right, is an important step in ensuring the safety and sustainability of our drinking water. 

Programs like Clean Water Action’s ReThink Disposable (ref) initiative also help businesses, schools, and individuals transition from single-use disposables to reusable options.

As consumers become more aware of the risks associated with bottled water and the impact of plastic pollution on our planet, the demand for change will grow stronger.

Read Next

Bottled water has become a ubiquitous presence in our daily lives, with many people believing it to be a safer and purer alternative to tap water. However, a closer examination of the bottled water industry reveals some startling truths that may make you think twice before reaching for that next bottle.

• Nearly 64% of Bottled Water in the U.S. Is Actually Tap Water, Study Finds

Sources:

1. National Library of Medicine
2. Clean Water Action