From Healthmatters, Spring 2006:
Studies have shown that bottled water is not necessarily cleaner or safer than tap water. And bottled water is not regulated by the government as strictly as tap water.
Among the findings:
More than 20 percent of tested brands contain higher levels of bacteria or chemicals than states allow for tap water.
Information on the label does not always match the contents.
About a quarter of bottled water is just tap water, sometimes treated, sometimes not.
Fluoride levels of bottled water are rarely within the government-recommended range for tap water.
If you prefer bottled water and are concerned about its safety, ask the manufacturer for information on its source, treatment and testing. If there's no response, switch brands.
