Is Bottled Water or Tap Water Healthier in the US?

November 11, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a recent study published in BMJ Global Health, tap water in the US is almost always a healthier choice than bottled water. While public perception often favors bottled water, an examination of regulatory standards, potential contaminants, and environmental impact reveals a more complex truth about whether bottled water or tap water is healthier in the US.

Quick Summary

This article compares the safety, regulation, and potential contaminants of bottled and tap water in the US, highlighting recent research on microplastics and PFAS. The environmental and economic impacts are also explored, concluding that filtered tap water is generally the healthiest and most sustainable option.

Key Points

EPA vs. FDA Regulation: Tap water is regulated by the EPA, requiring strict testing and public reporting, while bottled water is regulated by the FDA, with less frequent testing and fewer transparency requirements.
Microplastics Concern: Bottled water often contains microplastics and nanoplastics, with emerging health concerns related to inflammation and endocrine disruption, though the long-term effects are still under study.
Tap Water Contaminants: Some tap water systems may contain contaminants like PFAS or lead from aging pipes, but regulations and treatment technologies are constantly improving.
Environmental and Cost Advantages: Tap water is thousands of times cheaper and far more environmentally friendly, avoiding the plastic waste and high energy consumption of bottled water.
Filtered Tap is Optimal: For most people, filtered tap water is the healthiest and most sustainable choice, addressing taste concerns and removing additional contaminants while minimizing environmental harm.

Regulation and Oversight: EPA vs. FDA

Understanding the regulatory bodies responsible for our drinking water is crucial. In the United States, municipal tap water is overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The EPA sets stringent Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for over 90 contaminants, and public water systems are required to test their water regularly and publish the results.

In contrast, bottled water is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a food product. While the FDA’s regulations must be at least as stringent as the EPA's, there are key differences. For example, the FDA does not require bottled water companies to disclose testing results publicly or test as frequently as municipal water systems. Furthermore, bottled water sold within the same state it was sourced is exempt from some FDA regulations.

Potential Contaminants in Each Source

Both tap and bottled water have faced scrutiny over potential contaminants, though the risks differ:

Bottled Water and Microplastics: Recent research has highlighted the alarming presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in bottled water, with some studies finding hundreds of thousands of plastic fragments per liter. These particles can leach from the plastic bottle during production, transportation, and storage. Concerns have been raised about the potential long-term health risks of ingesting these tiny plastic particles, including hormonal disruption, inflammation, and potential links to certain cancers, though the long-term effects are still under investigation.
Tap Water and PFAS: A 2023 study found per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or "forever chemicals," in about 45% of US drinking water samples, highlighting an ongoing challenge for municipal systems. Other potential issues include aging infrastructure, which can introduce contaminants like lead, and vulnerabilities to contamination from agricultural runoff or industrial waste. However, advancements in water treatment and recent EPA regulations aim to address these challenges.

Environmental and Economic Comparison

Beyond health, the broader impact of each water source is a significant factor in consumer choice.

Environmental Impact

Bottled Water: The production, transport, and disposal of plastic bottles are highly resource-intensive and environmentally damaging. Producing the plastic bottles alone requires large amounts of fossil fuels, and a vast majority of these bottles end up in landfills or polluting waterways. The environmental footprint of bottled water is vastly higher—potentially thousands of times greater—than that of tap water.
Tap Water: The environmental impact of municipal water is significantly lower. It relies on existing infrastructure for distribution, eliminating the need for packaging and long-distance transport. For those concerned about specific tap water contaminants, home filtration systems offer a lower-impact solution than purchasing bottled water.

Cost Tap water is unequivocally more economical. The cost of bottled water is often hundreds or even thousands of times more expensive than the same amount of tap water. A reusable bottle filled with tap water is a cost-effective way to stay hydrated, with or without an added home filter.

Comparison: Bottled vs. Tap Water


Feature	Bottled Water	Tap Water (Municipal)	Filtered Tap Water (Home)
Regulation	FDA (food product), less frequent testing, variable transparency	EPA (Safe Drinking Water Act), mandatory regular testing, publicly available reports	Subject to EPA standards and filter quality
Potential Contaminants	Microplastics, nanoplastics, plasticizers	PFAS, lead (aging pipes), chlorine byproducts	Greatly reduced contaminants depending on filter type
Source	Spring, mineral, purified (sometimes municipal)	Surface water (lakes, rivers), groundwater	Municipal water source
Cost	Significantly higher due to packaging and marketing	Cents per gallon; extremely affordable	Low initial and ongoing cost; cheaper than bottled
Environmental Impact	High carbon footprint from production and transport; extensive plastic waste	Minimal environmental impact due to existing infrastructure	Minimal impact; less plastic waste than bottled water
Taste	Variable taste depending on source and processing; often perceived as better due to marketing	Can vary by location and treatment methods; sometimes has chlorine taste	Often improved, crisper taste due to removed chemicals

The Clear Winner: Filtered Tap Water

For most Americans, the healthiest and most responsible choice is tap water, especially when filtered at home. While both sources have their potential drawbacks, the primary concerns with tap water, such as taste and specific contaminants like chlorine, can be effectively addressed with an affordable home filtration system. This provides the highest level of safety and quality control for your personal hydration.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Best Option

Ultimately, the choice between bottled and tap water depends on your specific circumstances and priorities. For most households and everyday hydration, tap water is the clear winner for both health and sustainability. The EPA's robust regulations ensure a high level of safety, and any remaining concerns can be addressed with simple home filtration. Bottled water remains a convenient option for emergencies or when a safe tap source is unavailable, but it comes at a far greater cost to both your wallet and the environment. Making the switch to a reusable bottle and relying on filtered tap water is a simple yet impactful decision for both your health and the planet. For those interested in improving their hydration, a reusable bottle and a quality filter system are highly recommended. You can learn more about US water quality and filtering options through the Environmental Working Group's Tap Water Database.

Why Filtered Tap Water is the Best Choice

For the majority of Americans, filtered tap water represents the optimal solution, combining the affordability and environmental benefits of municipal water with the enhanced purity and taste of a filtered product. This approach sidesteps the microplastic contamination risks of bottled water while providing a reliable and sustainable source of hydration.

Practical Steps for Making the Switch

Invest in a Quality Filter: Whether a simple pitcher, a faucet-mounted filter, or an under-sink system, a quality filter can remove many taste-altering chemicals and heavy metals, giving you better-tasting and potentially safer water.
Use a Reusable Bottle: Ditch the single-use plastics and carry a reusable water bottle. This significantly reduces your environmental footprint and helps you save money over time.
Check Local Reports: The EPA requires water utilities to provide Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) annually, detailing local water quality test results. Check your report to understand your tap water's specific characteristics.

By taking these steps, you can enjoy a healthier, more sustainable hydration habit that benefits both you and the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. While many believe bottled water is purer, tap water in the US is regulated by the EPA with stringent, publicly reported testing requirements. Bottled water, regulated by the FDA, has less frequent testing and transparency, and is associated with microplastic contamination.

Yes, research consistently shows that most bottled water brands contain microplastics and nanoplastics that can shed from the plastic packaging. These particles may pose potential, though not yet fully understood, long-term health risks.

Tap water can contain contaminants like PFAS and lead, especially in older infrastructure. However, the EPA continually updates regulations, and a home water filter can effectively remove many of these substances.

Bottled water is significantly more expensive than tap water, often costing hundreds or thousands of times more per gallon. The added cost pays for the packaging, transportation, and marketing, not necessarily for a superior product.

No. The environmental impact of bottled water is substantially higher than tap water due to the energy required for plastic production, bottling, and transportation, as well as the widespread issue of plastic waste and low recycling rates.

Yes. A quality home water filter (like a pitcher or under-sink system) can improve tap water by removing taste-altering chemicals like chlorine and reducing other contaminants, providing an excellent balance of safety, cost, and environmental impact.

Bottled water is a better choice during emergencies, natural disasters, or when a reliable tap water source is unavailable or known to be contaminated. For daily consumption, however, filtered tap water is generally superior.