Bottled water vs tap water: Which is better?

With most Aussies having access to safe drinking tap water, millions of people are still reaching for bottled water. With the rising cost of living and the negative impact on the environment in each step of bottling, refrigerating, transporting, and disposing of bottled water, what’s the deal? Is there a difference? Is it because people think tap water is bad for you? Let’s dive into why bottled water is still a popular option. 

What are the key differences?

Market research has shown one of the main reasons people choose bottled water is because they think it’s higher quality.  Ads and packaging showing pristine clean waterways and running water in mountains look a lot more appealing than images of dams, pipes and taps. Plus, a Sydney University survey of students found having the latest branded water bottle was seen as a fashion item. Many did refill these with tap water, a small consolation for the environment. How can we make drinking tap water so appealing? It’s a tough one to crack.

First up, let’s take a look at the differences between bottled and tap water and weigh up the pros and cons of each.

• Affordability: Per litre, tap water costs a few cents and bottled can set you back several dollars. 
• Accessibility: For most Aussies,, turning on the tap will give you safe drinking water at home, businesses and in public places. In saying that, we could have more clean, working drinking taps in public places to make drinking tap water more enticing. I recall at school and in public parks, many times the drinking taps were not working or the stream was so low you needed to nearly kiss the tap to get the water out!

When tap water is not available or drinking water has been contaminated, then bottled water has its place. It is also a convenient transporting option. 

• Environmental impact: Tap water removes the need for single use plastic waste. Bottled water has the production, transport and container waste. 
• Safety: Australian tap water undergoes rigorous testing and the suppliers adhere to strict safety standards, For example the Safe Drinking Water Guidelines provide guidelines to water regulators and suppliers on monitoring and managing drinking water. Water suppliers also have to release annual water quality reports and perform regular testing for microbiological, physical and chemical parameters. These parameters ensure the water is safe for our health to drink.  

While generally safe, tap water may contain traces of lead or other contaminants particularly if it is in old plumbing. In general the perceived safety of bottled water isn’t substantiated and the quality of bottled water can vary depending on the source.

Bottled water is regulated under the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Code which regulates food and beverages. Despite what many people think, bottled water still needs to be treated and filtered, it’s not simply bottled from the source. Do you know where your bottled water comes from? It may not tell you on the bottle, but you can usually trace it back to the source and exact catchment area.

• Fluoride: Found naturally in soil and water, fluoride levels are not high enough to prevent dental cavities so it’s added to drinking water. The National Medical and Health Research Foundation reports fluoridated drinking water is safe for children and adults of all ages to drink and the benefits to dental health have been seen since it started around 1953.  
• Taste: This can be a drawback in tap water with chlorine or other minerals giving tap water a varying taste. 

So, which is better?

This depends on what your priorities are. If you want to consider the environment, your dental health and the monetary cost of bottled water, then tap water in Australia is the way to go. Depending on where you live, the taste of tap water may change and bottled water may give a more uniform taste. But if it’s fashion you’re worried about, you could buy a refillable water bottle that ticks the latest trend, and refill it with tap water. If it is water safety then both have pros and cons, you could never be 100% sure of either but water facilities monitor their water 24 hours a day and are legislated to report- that must count for something. It seems tap water gets the biggest tick.

If refilling any water bottles over and over, remember to clean them regularly. Using vinegar or bi-carbsoda is an effective way. No one wants bacteria growing in their bottle. 

What about filtered water?

The benefits of filtering water will depend on where you live and your own personal preferences. If you have old pipes, then filters might be of use to remove lead that may have contaminated your water, however some filters may remove natural minerals, such as manganese and the added fluoride, for our dental health. 

If using filter systemes then they need to be changed regularly to ensure they are not grounds for breeding bacteria. The filters also add to environmental waste. With new techniques and research leading to advanced water filtering systems that effectively remove pollutants while preserving beneficial minerals. Stay tuned for better solutions.

Before you decide on a water filter or not, it can be worthwhile to do some homework on the water quality in your area. 

How to make the switch to tap water

How will you switch to tap? Here are some tips:

• If it is the chlorine taste holding you back, leave a jug of fresh tap water out on the bench and the chlorine will evaporate away or boil the water for 15 minutes and cool it. You can also use a water filter capable of removing chlorine.
• If you like the water cold - keep your tap water in the fridge.
• If you want convenience, fill up a couple of water bottles and keep them in the fridge ready.
• If you don’t want the fluoride or the natural minerals - use a water filter  capable of removing these particles.
• Count those dollars you save on going tap. It may help to pay for your next holiday- that's pretty good incentive to switch.
• Think of all the single use plastic bottles you have eliminated from landfill. They will make you feel good too!

Summary

The ball is in your court to weigh up the pros and cons of bottled versus tap water. Whichever way, drinking water is a great hydrating drink and the drink of choice for our health, particularly our teeth. 

Related articles:

• Is it safe to drink water in Australia?
• Are you drinking enough water?
• Are you hungry or thirsty?

Reviewed by the Healthylife Advisory Board September 2024