Water, an essential element for our survival and well-being, is often debated about its source. Bottled water, tap water or water cooler? There are many options for daily consumption. However, there are harmful effects associated with certain water sources, including the use of plastic bottles, which can have negative consequences for the environment and our health. 

In this article, we'll look at the reasons to stop consuming bottled water and switch to more sustainable and healthier alternatives.  

Why is bottled water chosen ?

According to our experience, forged on many customer feedbacks, we opt for bottled water for different reasons: taste, practicality and the desire to drink quality and healthy water. 

This is because although bottled water is much more expensive than tap water, often the taste of tap water is not suitable. Today, many bottled water brands offer a variety of different tastes and minerals, to satisfy different palates. 

Also, bottled water is often perceived as more practical and easy to carry, whether on the move or during outdoor activities. Available in different formats and sizes, bottled water meets individual and family needs. 

Nowadays, water does not always offer the expected quality, and instinctively we will tend to be more wary of tap water than bottled water which seems to be healthier and better controlled. It's true that bottled water is usually subject to stricter quality standards than tap water, which can make it seem safer to drink. And in some areas, tap water can be of poor quality or even contaminated. 

On the surface, bottled water seems safe and qualitative, but when we examine the composition of these containers in detail, the reality is quite different...  

What do we know about the quality of PET plastic bottled water? 

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic is the most commonly used material for plastic water bottles. PET plastic bottles are considered safe for human consumption, as they are designed to be inert and not release dangerous chemicals into the water. 

The quality of PET bottled water depends on the place of production, the source of the water, the water treatment, and the storage and transport conditions. In general, PET bottled water must meet the drinking water quality standards set by the health authorities. 

To ensure the quality of PET bottled water, it is important to store the bottles in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, and consume them before the expiration date. It is also recommended that PET plastic bottles not be reused, as this can promote the growth of bacteria and mold.

Bottled water: a questionable composition? 

When we choose to buy bottled water, we assume that the water is safe to drink. However, many experts have expressed concern about the presence of chemicals in plastic bottles. This is because bottled water can pose a health hazard due to the presence of potentially toxic chemicals, such as bisphenols and phthalates. These chemicals can migrate from plastic to the liquids they contain, especially when exposed to high temperatures, sunlight, or when reused multiple times. 

Bisphenols, especially bisphenol A (BPA), are chemicals that can disrupt the hormonal system and have been linked to health problems such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and infertility. Phthalates, on the other hand, have been linked to reproductive, developmental, immune and endocrine effects. 

According to Well-sourced articles, bottled water is said to offer better quality than tap water. However, many sources and press articles have been pointing out for several years that bottled water, plastic or glass, is not always completely clean. Let's start by asking ourselves the following question: what about the quality of plastic bottled water after long exposure to the sun? On the other hand, it is not uncommon to find articles questioning the quality of bottled water. For example, This information is from July 2020 about the presence of pesticides in bottled water. Check out our blog post on this topic: Microplastics.

What is the impact of bottled water on the environment? 

Bottled water has a significant impact on the environment, mainly due to the production, use and disposal of plastic bottles. The production of plastic bottles requires raw materials, energy and water. This generates greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants. 

The transport of bottled water from production sites to points of sale and consumers involves the use of fossil fuels and also emits greenhouse gases. 

When it comes to disposing of plastic bottles, the majority of them are not recycled and end up in landfills, rivers, oceans or incinerators. They can take hundreds of years to decompose, causing environmental damage and health risks. 

When plastic bottles are thrown into the sea, it impacts marine ecosystems due to the plastic waste that accumulates in the oceans and rivers. 

We share with you This video which aims to provide an understanding of the manufacturing and distribution cycle of bottled water.

It is necessary to draw on natural reserves to produce bottled water, sometimes in disregard of the ecological impact that these methods can generate. And it is not going smoothly, as this article by repporter.net.

What about the cost of bottled water? 

Harmful to our health and the environment, bottled water also represents a financial cost, much higher than that of tap water. 

It's a truth, bottled water is expensive per liter. In France, for example, count €0.37 per litre. The cost of this convenience can be considerable and varies depending on the brand, size and place of purchase. By opting for a more economical solution, such as a water purifier, you will save money! Even if you add the cost per litre of tap water, on average 0.3 euro cents per litre, your water purifier allows you to save several thousand euros, not to mention the positive impact on the environment.

What are the advantages of a water purifier compared to bottled water in your daily life? 

• Significant savings from a financial and environmental point of view.
• Space-saving because you know that your water packs take up an important place in your vehicle and your home.
• Independence, you no longer depend on the supply in stores for your water needs. 
• Multiple functions, you will be able to cook and make tea and coffee with the water from your water purifier, at a lower cost.
• You preserve your health, no matter the scandals related to the quality of bottled water.

And in business, what are the advantages of a water purifier? 

Generally, we see in companies either 18-liter water bottles or water bottles in large quantities. 

The advantages for companies of having a gravity water purifier Pure Filters or an undercounter water purifier like the Pure Filters Classic Tap are the same as mentioned above, however we will add this: 

• Provision of a source of healthy water that preserves the health of the staff. It is an extra touch in your mission to ensure the well-being of your employees and collaborators. 

• An extra eco-friendly touch regarding your company's impact on the environment.

• Reduction of costs related to the purchase of bottled water, thanks to a continuous source of pure water. 

• Think about the well-being of your employees by providing them with purified and healthy water !

To equip a company with one or more models of water purifiers, do not choose in a hurry, we invite you to contact our team Pure Filters : info@pure-filters.com