Opt for Tap Over Bottled

Tap Water vs. Bottled Water: A Microplastic Perspective

Why Choose Tap Water Globally?

Higher Microplastic Contamination in Bottled Water

  • Direct Plastic Contact: Plastic bottles can release particles into the water, especially under heat or pressure.

  • Production and Filtration: Bottling processes can introduce microplastics, even from the filtration equipment itself.

Benefits of Tap Water

  • Effective Treatment: Municipal water treatment often removes a significant amount of microplastics.

  • Boiling Water: This simple method can reduce nanoplastics by forming a removable crust.

Environmental Impact

  • Reduce Plastic Pollution: Opting for tap water cuts down on plastic waste, a major source of microplastics.

Health Risks

  • Potential Chemical Exposure: Bottled water might contain chemicals from the plastic that can affect health.

  • Nanoplastics: These can potentially enter human cells, raising concerns about cellular damage.

Global Advice

  • Choose Tap: When tap water quality is reliable, it's generally safer from a microplastics standpoint.

  • Filtration Systems: Use quality filters like reverse osmosis where tap water isn't trusted.

  • Avoid Plastic Containers: Opt for glass or stainless steel when carrying water to prevent further plastic exposure.

Key Takeaway: By choosing tap over bottled, you're not only safeguarding your health from microplastics but also contributing to a reduction in global plastic pollution.