What Are the Benefits of Bottled Water?

Each year consumers spend a large amount of money buying bottled water. For around a dollar, a person can purchase a single bottle of water. Of course, bottled water has a measure of convenience, especially for people who are constantly on the go. There are other factors that contribute to bottled water being advantageous for the consumer.

General Benefits

• Bottled water is available in many different places. People can purchase bottled water at local market shops, large chain grocery stores and convenience stores. Bottled water can be found in places where food items are not sold, and it is also readily available in many different brands. It may be purified, distilled or contain added minerals or other taste enhancers. Many people find the simple fact that bottled waters have a fresh, good taste beneficial and worth the price.

Health Benefits

• Brands of bottled water undergo a purification process. Bottled water is widely available in some third-world countries due to the public water supply being prone to contamination. Ohio State University conducted a study finding 39 out of 57 brands of bottled water did prove to be purer than tap water, that is they did not contain some of the bacteria found in tap water from the general public water supply.

Consumption of Bottled Water

• Since bottled water is very popular, it is consumed all over the world. The world population is increasingly drinking more bottled water as opposed to tap or other traditional water supply drinking methods---well water for example. According to a World Wildlife-commissioned study in Splash's Freshwater Newsletter, Western Europe is the largest group of bottled water drinkers with 46 percent. About 20 percent of the North America population consumes bottled water on a regular basis. Eleven percent of Pacific Islanders drink bottled water. Eastern Europe consumes about 8 percent, Latin America 7 percent, North Africa 6 percent and Asia 2 percent.