The Hidden Dangers in Bottled Water: A Breakdown of the Environmental Working Group’s Shocking Findings

The bottled water industry often markets itself as offering a cleaner, purer alternative to tap water, with pristine imagery of mountain springs and tranquil streams. However, a comprehensive study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has uncovered that bottled water may not be as pure as consumers are led to believe. In fact, the EWG’s study revealed the presence of chemical contaminants—including disinfection byproducts, fertilizer residue, and even traces of pain medication—in bottled water brands across the U.S., putting into question the safety and transparency of the industry.

Bottled Water vs. Tap Water: What is the difference? 

One of the most significant findings of the EWG study is that the chemical contaminants present in bottled water are strikingly similar to those found in tap water. In many cases, bottled water is nothing more than treated tap water, sold at an exorbitant markup. The report analyzed 10 popular bottled water brands and found a total of 38 chemical pollutants. On average, each brand contained at least eight different contaminants.

Among the contaminants identified were toxic byproducts of the chlorination process, known as trihalomethanes (THMs), which are linked to cancer and reproductive health issues. These chemicals form when disinfectants, such as chlorine, react with organic matter in the water. Shockingly, some bottled water brands exceeded California’s legal limits for these carcinogenic substances. In particular, brands like Sam’s Choice, which is sold at big-box retailers, showed levels of bromodichloromethane—a known carcinogen—above the state’s safety standards.

Fertilizers, Pain Medication, and Bacteria in Your Water.

In addition to the disinfection byproducts, the EWG found traces of fertilizer chemicals such as nitrates and ammonia, as well as pharmaceuticals, including acetaminophen (commonly found in Tylenol), in several brands of bottled water. These findings highlight a critical point: many of these pollutants are not regulated in bottled water, leaving consumers vulnerable to potential health risks.

Shockingly, four of the 10 brands tested were also contaminated with bacteria, raising serious questions about the sanitation of these products. These revelations underscore the reality that bottled water is not held to the same transparency standards as tap water. While public water utilities are required to provide consumers with annual water quality reports, bottled water companies are under no obligation to disclose testing results to the public.

The Illusion of Purity

Despite being chemically similar to tap water, bottled water is often sold at prices that can be 1,900 times higher than the cost of public water. The EWG’s findings reveal that consumers are paying a premium for what is often glorified tap water. This situation is exacerbated by the industry’s marketing, which frequently positions bottled water as a healthier and cleaner alternative to tap water.

The bottled water industry’s trade association, the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA), claims that its safety standards are stricter than those set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, the EWG study found that several brands failed to meet even these voluntary standards, with some brands found to contain trihalomethanes at levels exceeding both IBWA guidelines and California’s legal limits. This shows that the current regulatory framework is insufficient to protect consumers from potentially harmful contaminants in their bottled water.

Health Impacts:

One of the most alarming aspects of the EWG study was its potential link between bottled water contaminants and cancer. Researchers at the University of Missouri found that chemicals in one bottled water sample increased the growth of breast cancer cells by 78%, compared to a control sample. The rapid growth of cancer cells was attributed to chemicals that mimic estrogen, a hormone that is closely linked to the development of breast cancer. Although the specific contaminants responsible were not identified, the study highlights the potential health risks associated with the long-term consumption of bottled water containing endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

While this particular result is considered a modest effect, the sheer volume of bottled water consumed by Americans—over 9 billion gallons annually—amplifies the potential health impact. The study also revealed the presence of heavy metals, radioactive isotopes, and industrial chemicals, further deepening concerns about the overall safety of bottled water.

Bottled Water and the Environment: A Hidden Cost

Beyond the health risks, bottled water poses a significant environmental burden. The EWG study did not focus on the environmental impact, but it is well-known that the production and disposal of plastic water bottles contribute to pollution and resource depletion. In 2006 alone, the U.S. consumed 36 billion bottles of water, of which only a fifth were recycled. The rest ended up in landfills or as litter, contributing to the growing problem of plastic pollution.

Additionally, bottled water production is a resource-intensive process. It is estimated that producing bottled water in the U.S. consumes 1.5 million barrels of oil annually—enough to power 250,000 homes or fuel 100,000 cars for a year. Moreover, “water mining,” or the extraction of water from natural sources for bottling, can have devastating effects on local water supplies, particularly in regions where water is already scarce.

Recommendations for Consumers: Ditch the Bottle, Trust the Tap

The findings of the EWG study provide compelling evidence that consumers should reconsider their reliance on bottled water. The best alternative? Filtered tap water. Tap water is not only much cheaper than bottled water (costing just $0.002 per gallon on average, compared to $3.79 for bottled water), but it is also subject to much stricter testing and transparency standards.

For those concerned about contaminants in their tap water, the EWG recommends using a carbon filter, which can remove many common pollutants such as lead and disinfection byproducts. More advanced options, such as reverse osmosis systems, can further eliminate contaminants like arsenic and perchlorate, which may not be removed by basic filters. Consumers can also reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals by choosing to store their water in BPA-free or stainless steel containers, rather than reusing disposable plastic bottles.

The Need for Policy Reform

The bottled water industry’s lack of transparency and failure to meet even voluntary safety standards call for immediate policy changes. The EWG recommends that bottled water companies be held to the same standards as public water utilities, including mandatory disclosure of contaminant levels and water treatment processes. Policymakers should also strengthen protections for rivers, streams, and groundwater sources to safeguard public water supplies from industrial pollutants and agricultural runoff.

Conclusion: A Call for Change

The EWG study sheds light on the widespread contamination of bottled water and the industry’s failure to deliver on its promises of purity and safety. With Americans consuming billions of gallons of bottled water each year, the health and environmental costs of this industry are too great to ignore. By choosing filtered tap water over bottled water, consumers can protect their health, save money, and reduce their environmental impact. It is time for the bottled water industry to come clean and for consumers to demand greater transparency and accountability.

At American Aqua, we provide comprehensive water treatment systems that dramatically reduce the risk of these health concerns. Contact American Aqua today to learn more about our water systems. At American Aqua, Your Water is Our Responsibility. 

Cited on 9/17/2024 from The Environmental Working Group: https://www.ewg.org/research/bottled-water-quality-investigation