Is it better to drink tap water or bottled water?

Every day in the UK, a simple but essential question arises: is it better to drink tap water or bottled water? Between health concerns, environmental impacts, and financial considerations, the choice is more complex than it seems.

Tap water, rigorously tested by health authorities, is accessible straight from our taps and represents an option that is both eco-friendly and economical. Yet it sometimes raises doubts due to its chlorine taste or the possible presence of substances like lead.

On the other hand, bottled water, whether spring or mineral, stands out for its purity and mineral composition—but at what cost? Between microplastics, the accumulation of plastic waste, and quality variations, both the health risk and environmental impact should not be underestimated.

This article presents a brief study to explore the advantages and disadvantages. You’ll finally know which option is best for safe and responsible daily use.

Differences between tap water and bottled water

It’s important to understand the differences in origin, mineral composition, and treatment processes. These characteristics influence both the quality of the water you drink and its impact on health and the environment.

Pay attention to water origin and composition

Tap water in the UK mainly comes from underground sources such as aquifers or from surface water like rivers and lakes. These waters are filtered through the soil and contain minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonates. However, the composition can vary significantly from region to region.

As for bottled water, there are two main categories:

• Natural mineral water: drawn from protected underground sources. Its composition is stable and meets strict criteria. No chemical treatment is allowed, preserving its taste and health benefits.
• Spring water: also sourced underground, but while it has a generally stable mineral composition, it may undergo minimal treatment to ensure potability.

Treatment processes and regulations

Tap water undergoes a rigorous purification process with filtration and chlorination. Ultraviolet treatment ensures bacteria, viruses, pesticides, pollutants, and heavy metals are removed. This process is strictly regulated and monitored by the UK Drinking Water Inspectorate. However, contamination can occur after severe weather events.

Natural mineral water must be bottled directly at the source without chemical treatment. Spring water may undergo limited treatment to meet quality standards. Regular testing ensures contaminants are absent. For instance, following an alert, Nestlé destroyed 2 million Perrier bottles that were contaminated with faecal matter.

Health impacts: tap water or bottled water?

Natural mineral water is valued for its mineral content, which supports good health. Tap water composition varies regionally and may contain lower levels of certain minerals compared to bottled water.

• Calcium strengthens bones and teeth, and helps with blood clotting.
• Magnesium helps regulate blood pressure and supports nerve and muscle function.
• Potassium contributes to cardiovascular health and fluid balance.

Contamination risks

Tap water may contain lead from older pipes, residual chlorine, or other chemicals. Strict standards and regular testing exist, but the system isn’t infallible. You can access detailed information via local water reports.

Despite precautions, in the Vercors region last January, about twenty teenagers were poisoned at a youth centre due to tap water contamination.

Bottled water may contain microplastics and other contaminants from packaging.

Cost comparison: tap water vs bottled water

Tap water is by far the most economical option. One litre costs around £0.003, compared to £0.50 per litre for bottled water. Over a year, the difference is substantial if you drink roughly 1.5 litres per day.

• Tap water: ~£2 per year.
• Bottled water: ~£270 per year.

This difference reflects production, packaging, and distribution costs. Tap water is available 24/7, requiring no purchase or transport. Bottled water adds logistical burdens: shopping, transport, and storage.

These factors make bottled water less convenient for daily use, especially for families or those in small flats.

Environmental impact

Consider carbon footprint and plastic waste. Tap water has an advantage with zero packaging waste, significantly reducing plastic pollution.

Bottled water, however, involves mass plastic production. Even with recycling, much still ends up in the environment. This increases pollution and CO2 emissions from production and transport.

Eco-friendly alternatives

Filtered jugs reduce contaminants but require frequent filter changes, creating waste. Reusable glass bottles lower plastic use but are heavier and more fragile.

At Weeplow, we recommend the gravity filter combined with activated carbon. It removes 99% of contaminants without electricity. Portable and convenient, it allows you to drink tap water or natural sources safely.

Choosing between tap and bottled water

Several criteria can guide your choice.

Considering cost, safety, and environmental impact, tap water is generally superior. However, after heavy weather events, contamination can occur.

The most practical solution we recommend is a carbon filter. It removes unpleasant taste, all contaminants including heavy metals and pesticides, while keeping mineral content intact. You retain all the beneficial minerals in your tap water.