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Pros & Cons of Bottled Drinking Water

Water is a vital part of every human's daily diet. There is an ongoing debate over the pros and cons of bottled water and whether or not it is a better choice than tap water. Depending on your needs and primary uses for bottled water, it may be the best choice for you. Evaluating the pros and cons will help you make an informed decision the next time you reach for a bottle of water to purchase.

  1. Pro: Convenience

    • Bottled water is incredibly convenient since it can be purchased on the go and carried with you. Water bottles are easy to reseal, making them the perfect choice for students and athletes who need them on the go and can place them in their backpacks and purses. Bottled water can be stored for emergencies such as natural disasters where tap water is not easily accessible. It is also easy to pour powdered drink mix into bottled water, close it, shake it and you are ready to go.

    Pro: FDA Approved

    • In the United States, bottled water is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA ensures that it is processed, bottled and transported under sanitary conditions. The FDA also tests the water before and after bottling to ensure that it is safe from bacteria, chemicals and unsafe contaminants. While bottled water is not necessarily safer or more regulated than tap water, in Third World countries it is almost always a safer option than the local water supply.

    Pro: Versatility

    • Bottled water is now available in many different options, such as vitamin-enhanced, fizzy and flavored. For people who do not like the "bland" taste of water, there are many healthy options with added flavors to help people reach their daily water intake goals. Drinking water regularly is an important part of a healthy diet, and many of the enhanced waters are just as--or more--nutritious than regular bottled water.

    Con: Cost

    • Bottled water is not nearly as cost-efficient as tap water, since tap water can be found for free in most homes, stores and restaurants. While the direct cost is apparent to consumers, many people do not consider what is actually costing them money. When you purchase a bottle of water, only a tiny percent of what you pay is actually covering the cost of the water--you are essentially paying for packaging, bottling, shipping, marketing and profit for the company.

    Con: Plastic Bottles

    • The packaging used for bottled water is a major downfall. Plastic bottles often contain phthalates, which are known to leach into the water and studies have shown that they may have a serious, negative impact on our health. Not only are plastic bottles detrimental to our health, they are detrimental to the environment since they often end up in landfills and are not recycled. The manufacturing and shipping of plastic bottles require oil and other fossil fuels to be used, which further pollutes the environment.

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