When it comes to the cost of bottled water versus tap water, there is a huge disparity. In some places, bottled water can be thousands of times more expensive than tap water. This is especially true in Central Minnesota, where tap water is generally safe and clean. Not only will you save money by drinking tap water, but you'll also be helping the environment by reducing plastic waste.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that some bottled water is simply treated tap water packaged in plastic bottles. The FDA regulates bottled water, but it still allows certain levels of contaminants in bottled water. While tap water sources can be as pure or purer than bottled water sources, that tap water still has to go through the building's pipes before reaching the faucet. Another downside to bottled water is that it can contain microplastics, which are fragments of plastic so small that they cannot be seen, but that can be easily consumed. Sherri Mason, a chemist at the State University of New York in Fredonia, analyzed 259 brands of bottled water for plastic particles and found that 93 percent of the bottles tested showed signs of microplastics.
When bottled water is packaged in plastic bottles, the plastic can seep into the water over time, meaning that the consumer will actually consume some plastic. Kinetico offers multiple drinking water solutions that range from multi-stage reverse osmosis systems to simple water filters. Finding the best solution for your home depends on the water source, the content and quality of the water you want. Kinetico also offers several whole-house water filtration systems, as well as water softeners and drinking water systems. Unless you live or are traveling in a country that doesn't yet have drinkable water (and surprisingly there's still a lot), you really don't have any reason to drink bottled water. If you live in Hawaii, Oregon, California, Connecticut, or New York, you can be reimbursed 5 cents for recycling and basically drinking free bottled water. In conclusion, when it comes to cost and safety, tap water is a much better option than bottled water in Central Minnesota.
Tap water is regulated by the government and is generally safe to drink. It also costs much less than bottled water and helps reduce plastic waste. If you're looking for a way to get clean drinking water without breaking the bank or harming the environment, tap water is your best bet.