Many Americans rely on bottled water as a convenient and seemingly safe way to stay hydrated—especially in communities where trust in municipal (tap) water is low.

But is bottled water actually safer than the tap water flowing from your kitchen faucet? And is it really more cost-effective than a home water filtration system?

If you opt for single-use plastic water bottles as a "cleaner alternative" to tap water, you may be surprised to learn that bottled water often comes from the exact same source as tap water.

Let’s dive into the truth about bottled water—and why it may not be the best option for safe, clean drinking water.

It’s the Same Water—Just More Expensive

Unbeknownst to many, bottled water often comes from the same source as tap water—meaning it's not inherently cleaner, safer, or purer than tap water.

Plus, bottled water doesn't always undergo additional filtration beyond standard municipal (tap) water treatment.

Worse, many bottled water brands are simply repackaging tap water—with added plastic contaminants and a hefty price tag.

The cherry on top? Plastic introduces additional risks, including microplastics, BPAs, phthalates, and other toxic chemical compounds that can leach into your water and can cause long-term health concerns.

In other words, like tap water, bottled water can contain chlorine, fluoride, impurities, and other contaminants that affect your water quality, taste, and safety—along with a nasty microplastics from the plastic bottles it's housed in.

Take Aquafina, the world’s largest bottled water brand. After pressure from Corporate Accountability International, Aquafina updated its label to reveal the truth:

The letters "P.W.S." on its packaging stand for "Public Water Source"—a fancy way of saying tap water.

And, for the record, Aquafina is not alone. The bottled water industry is filled with potentially misleading marketing tactics that can convince consumers they’re getting premium, purified water when, in reality, they’re often paying for tap water in plastic bottles.

It's important to note that the federal government does not require bottled water to be safer than tap. In fact, the opposite is true in many cases.

Bottled water is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but its oversight is less stringent than Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations for tap water.

While bottled water undergoes a disinfection process and is generally considered safe to drink, it can still contain harmful chemicals and contaminants that pose long-term health risks with repeated exposure.

Is Bottled Water Safer Than Tap Water?

Contrary to popular belief, bottled water is not required to be safer than tap water. In many cases, it is less regulated and less frequently tested.

Key differences between bottled water and tap water:

• Tap water must be disinfected, filtered, and tested for pathogens.

• Bottled water is not required to be disinfected or filtered for viruses.

• Municipal tap water is tested daily for contaminants.

• Bottled water is tested far less frequently—sometimes only once per year.

Because bottled water often comes from the same source as tap water and undergoes similar treatment processes, it can contain many of the same contaminants. This means bottled water is not necessarily a safer option.

Plastic Contamination in Bottled Water

Even if bottled water is free from some contaminants, plastic packaging introduces additional risks. Studies show that plastic bottles can leach harmful chemicals into water, especially when exposed to heat or stored for long periods.

Common plastic contaminants in bottled water include:

• Microplastics – Found in over 93% of bottled water samples tested globally.

• BPAs (Bisphenol A) – A known endocrine disruptor that can interfere with hormones.

• Phthalates – Chemicals that leach from plastic bottles and can be linked to reproductive and developmental issues.

While the FDA regulates the water inside the bottle, it does not regulate the plastic bottles themselves. Over time, plastic bottles degrade and release harmful chemicals into the water.

Financial Cost of Bottled Water vs. Filtration Systems 

A Harvard report found that bottled water costs up to 3,000% more per gallon than tap water, despite often coming from the same source.

That means:

• You’re paying exponentially more for the same water—just in a plastic bottle.

• A 24-pack of bottled water may seem affordable upfront, but over time, it’s far more expensive than a home filtration system.

Instead of wasting money on bottled tap water in plastic, a home water filtration system:

• Eliminates the need for single-use plastic bottles, reducing waste and costs.

• Removes up to 99.9% of 365+ contaminants, offering better protection than municipal water alone.

• Provides a long-term solution, with only minimal maintenance required.

Clearly Filtered’s Affinity® Filtration Technology goes beyond EPA regulations by targeting unregulated contaminants linked to serious health risks.

For clean, safe drinking water on the go, our filtered water bottles clean your water with every sip, removing up to 99.9% of 220+ dangerous contaminants.

Meanwhile, our best-selling filtered water pitcher, 3-stage under-the-sink system, and universal inline fridge filter each remove hundreds of dangerous contaminants from your water—without targeting beneficial minerals.

Instead of paying for bottled tap water in plastic, a home water filtration system:

✔ Eliminates the need for plastic bottles – Reducing waste and costs
✔ Clearly Filtered removes up to 99.9% of 365+ contaminants – More than municipal water treatment alone
✔ Provides a long-term solution – After the initial cost, maintenance is minimal

With Clearly Filtered, you can finally trust every drop and never have to worry about what's in your water again.

The environmental impact of bottled water is staggering. Billions of plastic bottles are thrown away each year, with ~86% ending up in landfills instead of being recycled.

Plastic waste is not only a major pollution issue—it also takes centuries to break down, releasing harmful chemicals into soil, waterways, and drinking water supplies.

Key environmental costs of bottled water:

• Plastic bottles take 5 to 500 years to fully decompose.

• More than 8 million tons of plastic enter the ocean annually.

• Producing bottled water takes up to 2,000 times more energy than tap water.

• It takes three times more water to make the plastic bottle than to fill it.

Beyond pollution, the production and transportation of bottled water contribute to carbon emissions and waste natural resources. The Pacific Institute found that:

• America’s demand for plastic water bottles requires more than 17 million barrels of oil each year.

• Plastic bottle production increases carbon dioxide pollution.

Switching to filtered water drastically reduces plastic waste and minimizes environmental impact.

Final Verdict: Filtered Water vs. Bottled Water

Neither bottled water nor tap water is 100% free of contaminants, but filtered water is the superior choice for safety, cost, and environmental impact.

Clearly Filtered offers a convenient, high-quality solution to bring better drinking water straight to your home.

Upgrade To Clearly Filtered Today, So You Can Trust Every Drop:

• Water Pitcher – Filters up to 365+ contaminants without targeting beneficial minerals.

• Under-Sink Filtration System – Ensures filtered water flows from your faucet with easy, DIY installation.

• Universal Inline Fridge Filter – Compatible with any fridge make and model.

• Filtered Water Bottles – Instantly filters water on the go.

Filtered water eliminates the high cost, plastic waste, and health risks associated with bottled water—giving you clean, safe water whenever you need it.

The choice is clear. Switch to filtered water today.