Bottled water is a daily purchase for millions of Americans who believe it’s cleaner than tap. However, nearly 64% of bottled water comes from the same municipal sources as tap water. Some brands purify it further, while others make minimal changes and sell it at a high price.

Concerns over bottled water quality are valid. Certain brands have exceeded safety limits, while others have been praised for transparency and purification methods like reverse osmosis. Still, U.S. tap water is often subject to stricter testing by the EPA, unlike bottled water, which is regulated less frequently by the FDA.

Studies have found pollutants such as arsenic, bacteria, and microplastics in bottled water. Even the bottles themselves can shed plastic particles, adding further risks. This challenges the assumption that bottled water is inherently safer than tap.

Beyond health, bottled water harms the environment. Billions of bottles are made using fossil fuels and contribute to landfill and ocean waste. A better option: drink tap water with a home filter and a reusable bottle—it’s safer, cheaper, and far more sustainable.