What are the realistic health factors regarding bottled water, is this something that we should even be drinking? Markale Wigfall Walden University Environmental Health Spring, 2010 Dr. Rebecca Heick

Society feels that bottled water is safe as its sales have reached $35 billion at a minimum annually. In 2002, almost six billion gallons of bottled water sold in the United States (Howard, 2003). Howard, Brian (2003). Message in a bottle: Despite the hype, bottled water is neither cleaner nor greener than tap water. Retrieved from

In 2001 the World Wildlife funded a widespread study conducted to clarify how consumers associated bottled water with social status and healthy living (Howard, 2003). Does drinking only bottled water mean that I am healthier than the next person? Howard, Brian (2003). Message in a bottle: Despite the hype, bottled water is neither cleaner nor greener than tap water. Retrieved from

National Resources Defense Council After completion of a four- year study of bottled water it concluded that just because it comes out of a bottle does not mean it is cleaner and safer.

An estimated 25% or more of bottled water is really just tap water in a bottle, sometimes further treated, sometimes not (Bottle Water…, 2009). Natural Resource Defense Council.(2009). Bottle Water. Retrieved from drinking/bw/bwinx.asp

Don’t be fooled by the container… Over the past decade bottled water has become an American fad. The water bottle is doing more bad than good for our environment.

The truth behind the bottle… Studies have shown that chemicals called phthalates, which are known to disrupt testosterone and other hormones, can leach into bottled water over time ( Bottle Water…, 2009). Natural Resource Defense Council.(2009). Bottle Water. Retrieved from drinking/bw/bwinx.asp

Why do we prefer bottled… People also say they drink bottled water because they believe its safer than tap water (Stossel, 2005). “Tap water is dirty” (King, 2010). “I feel that it doesn’t taste as fresh as bottled water” (Nelson, 2010). Nelson, Averi (personal communication, April 21, 2010) King, Venia (personal communication, April 21, 2010) Stossel, John (2005). Is bottle water better than tap water? ABC news. Retrieved from

What’s under the cap? Over 38 pollutants have been discovered in top brand bottled water companies. Acadia had cancer- causing chlorination within the water, equivalent to the amounts in local city tap water. Chemical Number of Brands Range of Detections, ppm* Average of Detected Values, ppm* Fluoride Environmental working group: The power of information(2009). Bottled Water quality investigation: 10 major brands, 38 pollutants: Test results: Chemicals in bottle water. Retrieved from

Chemical Number of Brands Range of Detections, ppb* Average of Detected Values, ppb* Total Trihalomethanes Chloroform Bromodichloromethane Bromoform10.8 Chlorodibromomethane Haloacetic Acids Dichloroacetic acid222 Trichloroacetic acid122 Disinfection byproducts were found in 4 brands *ppb = parts per billion (micrograms per liter) Environmental working group: The power of information(2009). Bottled Water quality investigation: 10 major brands, 38 pollutants: Test results: Chemicals in bottle water. Retrieved from

Bottled Water and our Environment… In 2006, the equivalent of 2 billion half- liter bottles of water shipped to U.S. ports, creating thousands of tons of global warming pollution and other air pollution (Bottle water…, 2009). Only 13% of the water bottles we use get recycled. What happens to other 87%? Natural Resource Defense Council.(2009). Bottle Water. Retrieved from drinking/bw/bwinx.asp

Ways we can keep our families and schools as safe as possible when it comes to H 2 O.

Protecting Our Community To make tap water safe and better tasting for your family purchase an effective filter. Be sure they are certified by NSF international. These filters designate which contaminants they remove, and you can look for one that removes and contaminants of special concern such as cryptosporidium( Bottle water…, 2009). Natural Resource Defense Council.(2009). Bottle Water. Retrieved from drinking/bw/bwinx.asp

Testing your tap water at home There are state- certified drinking water laboratories in virtually every state that can test your water( Bottle water…, 2009). A drinking water law states that those who supply tap water must distribute annual testing of water quality. There are also tests that you can complete at home yourself. Natural Resource Defense Council.(2009). Bottle Water. Retrieved from drinking/bw/bwinx.asp

The convenience of the bottle Rather than buying bottled water and disposing of the bottle, think about making the switch to a reusable bottle that can be filled up at home ( Padgalskas, 2009). Padgalskas, Vanessa (2009). Bottle water affects the environment and health: buying a reusable water bottle is eco- friendly and less toxic. Retrieved from

Advice for the public… Parents Encourage your kids to drink water and use reusable water bottles. Teachers/Child care providers Have forums/ workshops with parents and children to better assist them in understanding the significance of bottled and tap water. Public health representatives Promote healthy habits by going out into the communities and educating our community leaders and citizens.

So the next time you reach for a bottle water, will any thoughts cross your mind? Bottled Or Tap

References Natural Resource Defense Council.(2009). Bottle Water. Retrieved from Environmental working group: The power of information(2009). Bottled Water quality investigation: 10 major brands, 38 pollutants: Test results: Chemicals in bottle water. Retrieved from Howard, Brian (2003). Message in a bottle: Despite the hype, bottled water is neither cleaner nor greener than tap water. Retrieved from Padgalskas, V. (2009). Bottle water affects the environment and health: buying a reusable water bottle is eco- friendly and less toxic. Retrieved from Stossel, J. (2005). Is bottle water better than tap water? ABC news. Retrieved from