Bottled water has become a regular part of our everyday lives. From convenience stores to restaurants, it’s readily available, offering a quick and obviously clean solution for hydration. But with its popularity comes a fair share of myths and misinformation. Many people question whether bottled water is truly safer, cleaner, or worth the cost. In this blog, we will explore the most common myths and lay out the facts so you can make informed decisions.
Myth1: Bottled Water Is Just Tap Water
Fact: Some bottled waters come from urban sources, they are not just repackaged tap water. In fact, if bottled water comes from a public water system, it must undergo extensive purification processes like reverse osmosis, distillation, ozonation, or deionization to meet federal standards. These treatments eliminate impurities and meet the purity standards set by the U.S. Pharmacopeia 23rd Revision.
Also, if the water hasn’t been treated to meet purified or sterile water standards, the label must clearly mention its municipal source. This transparency ensures consumers know exactly what they are drinking.
Myth2: Bottled water bottles are dangerous for health
Fact: Bottled water is stored in containers that are made of FDA-approved food-grade materials. Whether it’s plastic or glass, the material must undergo a safety evaluation to ensure it doesn’t contaminate the water.
A common myth is that water bottles contain Bisphenol A (BPA), a harmful chemical. However, most of the bottled water is packaged in PET plastic, which does not contain BPA and is considered safe for storing beverages. The bottles are designed for one-time use, and when used as intended, they are safe for consumers.
Myth3: Bottled Water Companies Drain Our Water Supply
Fact: Bottled water production uses a surprisingly small portion of water resources. In the U.S., it accounts for less than 0.02% of all groundwater withdrawn each year. To put this into perspective, agriculture alone consumes more than 55 billion gallons of water per day, while public water systems use about 16 billion gallons per day.
This clearly shows that bottled water has a minimal impact on overall water resources. Most bottled water is produced responsibly and in accordance with sustainable sourcing practices.
Myth4: Bottled Water Is Not as Regulated as Tap Water
Fact: Bottled water is one of the most strictest regulated foods. It falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which enforces standards equal to or even stricter than those set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for tap water.
The FDA ensures that the water in the bottle meets quality standards for identity, labelling and production. Regular inspections, clinical testing and security protocol compliance ensure that the water in the bottle is safe and high quality.
Myth5: One FDA Employee Oversees All Bottled Water
Fact: It’s a myth that only one person at the FDA manages bottled water regulation. In fact, the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) employs a team of experts—chemists, microbiologists, food scientists, and toxicologists—who collectively work to ensure the safety of bottled water.
Inspections are carried out nationwide through FDA regional offices and in partnership with state regulatory agencies. It’s a collaborative, multi-agency effort to uphold safety standards.
Myth6: FDA Has No Control Over In-State Bottled Water Sales
Fact: This myth arises from a misunderstanding of FDA jurisdiction. Even if a bottled water product is produced and sold in a single state, it still falls under FDA regulation if any of its components (such as the water, plastic bottle, or cap) come from out of state.
This “Components Theory” ensures that almost all water products in a bottle are covered by FDA supervision, providing consistent quality and safety across the nation.
Myth7: Bottled Water Contains More Contaminants Than Tap Water
Fact: The FDA has established strict quality limits for over 90 different substances in bottled water. These limits are similar and often reflect the EPA standard for tap water.
In rare cases where standards differ, it’s usually because the specific contaminant isn’t present in bottled water or due to differing regulatory processes. Importantly, if the EPA updates its tap water standards, the FDA is required by law to adopt the same for bottled water under the federal “hammer provision.”
Myth8: Bottled Water Costs 1,000 Times More Than Tap water
Fact: While bottled water does cost more than tap water, the exaggerated figure of it being 1,000 times more expensive is misleading. Most people purchase bottled water in bulk from grocery stores or discount retailers, where it is affordably priced.
According to Beverage Marketing Corporation, the wholesale cost of bottled water in 2019 averaged around $1.18 per gallon. The bloated pricing is often argued by comparison between bulk purchases and luxury designer water brands.
Myth 9: Making Bottled Water Uses 17 Million Barrels of Oil
Fact: This statistic is frequently cited but there is no verified source. The University of Louisville, often linked to this claim, has publicly denied conducting any such research.
Yes, manufacturing PET bottles uses resources, but the exact number is unknown and not as extreme as this claim suggests. The bottled water industry has made significant advances in reducing its ecological footprint, including lighter packaging and improved recycling efforts.
Myth 10: Bottled Water Deprives Others of Water Access
Fact: Over 98% of bottled water sold in the U.S. is sourced domestically, meaning the industry does not take water away from people in other countries.
It is important to separate global water access challenges from the U.S. bottled water market. While improving access to clean drinking water worldwide is a crucial mission, the two issues are not directly linked. Bottled water provides a safe and convenient option without compromising international water resources.
Conclusion
When you break down the myths that you have their reputation, consumers can see the actual picture.
Whether you’re traveling, need an emergency water supply, or just prefer the taste and assurance of bottled water, knowing the facts empowers you to make better choices.
Next time you reach for a bottle of water, you can do so with confidence—because behind every bottle is a system of science, safety, and stringent regulation working to keep you healthy and hydrated.