Buyer beware. Sales of bottled water in the United States have exploded in recent years, largely as a result of a public perception of purity driven by advertisements and packaging labels featuring pristine glaciers and crystal-clear mountain springs. But bottled water sold in the United States is not necessarily cleaner or safer than most tap water, according to a four-year scientific study recently made public by Natural Resources Defense Council.
Under the FDA’s (Food and Drug Administration) bottled water regulations, bottled water is not required to be any safer than tap water. In fact, the chemical pollution standards are much more relaxed. Recently, Environmental Working Group tested 10 brands and found an alarming array of contaminants, including cancer-causing byproducts of chlorination, fertilizer residue, industrial solvents and even caffeine.
You can download Environmental Working Group’s guide to safe drinking water for some great tips.
