Cornell Against Bottled Water By Edgewood Warner

Quick Facts Bottled water is the second most saleable beverage in the United States (carbonated soft drinks are #1). 6.8 billion gallons, $9.2 billion revenue in 2004; 8.8 billion gallons, $11.7 billion in 2007; on the rise. Dasani, Nestle, Aquafina most frequently purchased brands in U.S.

What is the cause of this explosion? Water as the hallmark of health; a essential part of a diet; the stepping stone to a perfect body, etc. Water as the hallmark of health; a essential part of a diet; the stepping stone to a perfect body, etc. Marketers reinforce this idea with illustrations of rivers, springs, deer, etc (check your favorite water bottle!) and are successful. Marketers reinforce this idea with illustrations of rivers, springs, deer, etc (check your favorite water bottle!) and are successful.

And… We know that water is good for maintaining health…

But... Bottled water, in many cases, is not necessarily cleaner than regular tap water and may actually put consumers at risk.

How is this so? Bottled water is subjected to less rigorous and less frequent testing than tap water. Bottled water is subjected to less rigorous and less frequent testing than tap water. There are certain standards for evaluating contamination of tap water that are not required for bottled water (presence of bacteria, dissolved substances such as arsenic, etc). There are certain standards for evaluating contamination of tap water that are not required for bottled water (presence of bacteria, dissolved substances such as arsenic, etc). There is no strict enforcement of disinfection of bottled water, contrary to tap water. There is no strict enforcement of disinfection of bottled water, contrary to tap water.

Bottled Water vs. Tap Water Bottled water is tested for bacteria once a week. Bottled water is tested for bacteria once a week. Bacteria such as E. Coli is allowed to present in bottled water. Bacteria such as E. Coli is allowed to present in bottled water. Bottled water is not required to be filtered or disinfected. Bottled water is not required to be filtered or disinfected. Testing for certain viruses is not required. Testing for certain viruses is not required. May or may not be tested in certified labs. May or may not be tested in certified labs. Operators need not be trained and certified. Operators need not be trained and certified. Results not required to be reported to State or Feds. Results not required to be reported to State or Feds. Consumers need not know about contamination. Consumers need not know about contamination. Tap water is tested several hundred times a month. Tap water is tested several hundred times a month. Bacteria must NOT be present in tap water. Bacteria must NOT be present in tap water. Pathogens must be eliminated and water source safeguarded, filtered, and disinfected at all times. Pathogens must be eliminated and water source safeguarded, filtered, and disinfected at all times. Tap water MUST be tested for certain viruses that may pose serious risks for the general public. Tap water MUST be tested for certain viruses that may pose serious risks for the general public. Must be tested in certified labs. Must be tested in certified labs. Operators must be trained and certified. Operators must be trained and certified. Results must be reported to State, Feds. Results must be reported to State, Feds. Consumers must be informed about contamination. Consumers must be informed about contamination.

In Conclusion… Buy a filter and drink tap water! It is safer, cheaper, and more environmentally safer than bottled water.