Exposing the Source: The Truth About Bottled Water
For decades, the marketing for bottled water has painted a picture of pristine, untouched natural sources, leading many consumers to believe they are purchasing a product far superior to the water from their kitchen tap. However, a significant portion of the bottled water market consists of brands that start with municipal water—the same water source used for public taps—and then put it through a series of purification steps before packaging. Knowing the difference can help you make more informed purchasing decisions and understand the true value of what you are buying.
Major Brands Sourcing Municipal Water
Several high-profile brands openly admit to using public water sources as their starting point. The purification process is what allows them to market it as 'purified water,' but the original source is identical to tap water.
- Aquafina (PepsiCo): In 2007, PepsiCo confirmed that Aquafina was sourced from public water systems and began adding a label disclaimer stating "P.W.S." for Public Water Source. The water is purified through a rigorous process that includes reverse osmosis.
- Dasani (Coca-Cola): Similar to its competitor, Dasani is sourced from municipal water supplies in various locations. Coca-Cola purifies the water via reverse osmosis and adds a proprietary blend of minerals, including magnesium sulfate and potassium chloride, for taste.
- Nestlé Pure Life: This brand sources its water from a mix of both municipal and well water sources. It is then purified to create a consistently tasting product.
- Lifewtr: This premium-priced water brand is also sourced from municipal tap water.
- Kirkland Signature Bottled Water (Costco): Produced by Niagara Bottling, LLC, this store brand uses a combination of municipal water and water from wells and springs.
- Smartwater: Owned by Coca-Cola, Smartwater is also sourced from municipal water supplies. However, it undergoes a different purification process, including distillation, to set it apart from brands like Dasani.
The Purification Process: From Tap to Bottle
Brands that use municipal water don't simply bottle it directly from the tap. They employ sophisticated filtration and purification methods to ensure a consistent, clean taste and remove impurities. These processes often include:
- Reverse Osmosis: This is the most common method, where water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane to remove dissolved solids, minerals, and other contaminants.
- Ozonation: Ozone gas, a powerful disinfectant, is bubbled through the water to kill microorganisms. This leaves no residual taste.
- Carbon Filtration: Granular activated carbon filters are used to absorb organic compounds and chlorine, which can affect the water's taste and odor.
- UV Light Disinfection: Some brands use ultraviolet light to destroy microbes and ensure water safety.
Purified vs. Spring Water: A Comparison Table
For consumers, the key difference lies in the source and processing. Here is a breakdown of how the two types of bottled water compare:
| Feature | Purified Water (often municipal source) | Spring Water (natural source) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Public municipal water supplies, wells, or other sources. | An underground formation where water flows naturally to the surface. |
| Processing | Extensive multi-step purification, such as reverse osmosis, ozonation, and carbon filtration. | Minimal processing to remove contaminants while retaining natural mineral content. |
| Mineral Content | Low to non-existent naturally; some minerals are often added back for taste. | Contains naturally occurring minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which affect the taste. |
| Taste | Neutral, consistently clean taste profile. | Variable taste profile depending on the natural mineral composition of the source. |
| Regulation | Must meet FDA standards for 'purified' water, which involves stringent filtration criteria. | Must meet FDA standards and come from a protected, verified natural source. |
| Cost | Can be significantly more expensive than tap water, despite the source. | Price often reflects perceived purity and natural sourcing, but can still be highly marked up. |
Why Do Brands Use Tap Water?
There are several reasons why major beverage corporations choose to use municipal water supplies for their bottled products. Firstly, it offers a reliable, scalable source that isn't dependent on a single natural spring that could run dry. The consistent availability allows for mass production to meet high demand. Secondly, by using advanced purification, they can ensure a uniform taste and quality across all their products, regardless of where they are bottled. Lastly, sourcing from municipal supplies can sometimes be more cost-effective than managing a natural spring, even with the added cost of purification. This business model has proven to be highly profitable, with the cost of municipal water being exceedingly low compared to the price consumers pay.
The Dasani UK Fiasco: A Case Study in Brand Transparency
Not all markets have been receptive to the tap-water-turned-bottled-water model. In 2004, Coca-Cola's launch of Dasani in the United Kingdom turned into a "PR catastrophe" when the press revealed its source was treated tap water from Sidcup, London. The company had marketed the product as especially "pure." The situation was exacerbated when a batch was found to be contaminated with bromate, a suspected carcinogen, leading to a massive recall and the complete withdrawal of the brand from the UK market. This incident highlights the importance of transparency and the potential consumer backlash when a brand's marketing is perceived as misleading.
Conclusion: The Consumer's Choice
While brands like Aquafina and Dasani begin with municipal water, they invest in purification processes to create a safe and consistent product. The main takeaway for consumers is that paying a premium for these 'purified' waters does not guarantee a healthier or more 'natural' product than what you can get from your tap, especially if you use an affordable home filter. For those who prefer the mineral profile and taste of natural water, spring water is the better option. Ultimately, the choice between convenience, taste, and cost is up to the consumer, but knowing the truth behind the label is the first step toward making an educated decision. To further explore the regulations governing bottled water, you can refer to authoritative sources such as the FDA's guidelines on bottled water standards.
An authoritative link to learn more about the topic can be found here: Consumer Reports on Bottled Water Costs and Sourcing.
