A recent study has uncovered a surprising truth about the bottled water industry: 64% of it is simply tap water. That’s right—many of the bottles you buy at the store are filled with the same water that comes out of your faucet at home. To make matters worse, some companies don’t even bother to filter this water properly, leaving it potentially less safe than what you’d get from your tap.
Brands like Walmart’s Sam’s Choice and Giant Food’s Acadia have been criticized for their high levels of contaminants. In some cases, Sam’s Choice exceeded California’s safety standards for bottled water, which is particularly concerning given its premium pricing. Acadia has also been flagged for similar issues, highlighting the need for greater transparency in the industry.
Fortunately, not all brands are hiding the truth. Nestlé Pure Life, Gerber Pure, and Penta Ultra-Purified Water have been commended for their honesty. These companies clearly communicate where their water comes from and how it’s treated, helping consumers make informed choices.
While bottled water may seem like the safer option, the reality is that tap water in the U.S. is often more rigorously tested and regulated. So, before you spend extra money on bottled water, consider whether it’s really worth it—or if your tap water might be the better choice after all.
