You know water is good for you.
But not all water is good for you. In fact, 75% of Americans drink water with carcinogens, unregulated chemicals and toxins—and they have no idea! Here’s the inside scoop on choosing clean water and how to avoid bad bottled water, tap water and everything in between.
Is Your Water Clean?
Water is everywhere…but clean (uncontaminated water) is not. Not all water is created equal.
Just like not all burgers a created equal (there’s a difference in a Big Mac vs. a homemade gourmet, grass-fed bison burger), your refrigerator water, fountain water and tap water (sink, shower) are vastly different than filtered, purified water that minimizes heavy metals, chlorine and other toxins.
Unfortunately, no national drinking water standard exists, and the vast majority of the nation’s drinking water supplies get a passing grade from federal and state regulatory agencies. But many of the 278 contaminants detected by local utilities’ tests are found at levels that are well above levels authoritative scientific studies have found to pose health risks (despite being declared “legal” under the Safe Drinking Water Act or state regulations).
For drinking water, a contaminant can be defined as any substance or matter other than pure H2O. Some contaminants may be undesirable as they may pose a health risk or impart an undesirable taste, odor or color. Other contaminants are highly desirable and may be added to water for a unique taste, texture and body. Regardless of being desirable or undesirable, water contaminants can be broken down into the following classifications: microbiological, inorganic, organic and radiological.
- Microbiological. Including microscopic living organisms such as bacteria, yeast, viruses, molds, cysts, algae, etc.
- Inorganic. Elemental metals and chemical substances that do not contain hydrocarbons (ex: calcium, iron, nitrates, bromate, etc.)
- Organic. Compounds with a carbon-hydrogen structure. These can be further broken down into volatile organic chemicals (cleaning solvents, petroleum by-products) and semi-volatile organic chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, base/neutral acid extractable compounds).
- Radiological. Elements that emit atomic energy which is generally in the form or alpha and beta particles of gamma rays (uranium, radon, radium, etc.).
There are no legal limits for more than 160 unregulated contaminants in U.S. tap water. For some other chemicals, the EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Levels, or MCLs, haven’t been updated in almost 50 years (EWG, 2019). From fluorinated chemicals called PFAS, to lead from old pipes, pesticides, mycotoxins and fertilizer chemicals, the list goes on.
In short: Houston, we have a problem.
So, with all the “bad quality water”, how can we ensure we are drinking good water at all?
The Gold Standard for Water: Purified, Filtered Water
The gold standard water is purified, filtered drinking water—from a filtration system that helps remove extra filth, dirt and toxins from our water.
Technically speaking, anything called a ‘purifier’ by industry standards, must remove 99.75% of incoming bacteria (a pretty steep requirement).
Water purifier types vary— from pitchers to containers that sit on the counter to tanks under the sink to whole-house filtration systems. Filter technologies include activated carbon filters to ceramic, deionization, ozone, reverse osmosis, water softeners, natural spring water, and more. Some purifiers remove a lot of contaminants, others remove very little. Additionally, some bottled waters contain purified water, whereas others are simply glorified tap-water. There are TONS of options, and all options have pros and cons.
Carbon Filtered Water
Generally speaking, carbon filter technologies—like the Brita Water Pitchers and Berkey Water Filter—are popular in the health world and the least expensive types of filters you can buy. Activated carbon chemically bonds with and removes contaminants as water flows through the filter. But, it’s important to realize that activated carbon filters’ effectiveness varies significantly. Some are certified only to remove chlorine and improve taste and odor (like Brita); whereas others also are strong enough rid of contaminants like lead, mercury and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—like the Berkey. That said, activated carbon does not remove common inorganic pollutants such as arsenic, fluoride, hexavalent chromium, nitrate and perchlorate.
Pros: Least expensive; Removes a wide variety of contaminants
Cons: If the filter is not cleaned or used regularly, it can become full of bacteria or mold. Certain pollutants also will not be removed when using a carbon water filter. These pollutants include toxic minerals, fluorides, nitrates and a range of microorganisms.
Refrigerator Water Filter
A fridge filter is a “carbon filters”, but I put it in its own category because, while it is better to consume than straight up tap water, fridge filters are actually fairly weak filters for ridding of contaminants—especially because most people are simply not replacing them as often as they should.
Water that passes through old, overused filters can even dislodge some of the trapped pollutants back into your drinking water. Additionally, not all refrigerators have an indicator light to let you know that it’s due for a refill.
Above all, the biggest issue with fringe filters isn’t actually the filter, but the dispenser itself. The National Sanitation Foundation conducted a study on the most germ-filled places in the kitchen and discovered that most refrigerator water dispensers are coated with ‘concerning levels’ of yeast and mold. This is probably not the most common definition of healthy, clean water.
Rather than relying on subpar refrigerator filters with mediocre water, consider investing in a home water filter that removes more contaminants prior to entering the fridge.
Pros: Convenient; already built-in; contains carbon filtration
Cons: Easily becomes contaminated with bacteria and yeasts (since the dispenser is rarely, if ever, cleaned)
Reverse Osmosis Water
Reverse osmosis is another popular filtration type—often sold as “under the counter” systems or fancy looking contraptions that sit atop your counter. Reverse osmosis systems are typically a little more expensive and most effective at removing many contaminants not removed by activated carbon, including arsenic, fluoride, hexavalent chromium, nitrates and perchlorate. However, reverse osmosis does not remove chlorine, trihalomethanes or VOCs like some activated carbon filters do.
Pros: Removes many pollutants that activated carbon misses; Typically, they also come equipped with a carbon filter that helps with initial purification and extends the useful lifetime of the reverse osmosis filter itself.
Cons: Reverse osmosis systems tend to cost more than other types of filters and require installation under the sink. For many families these costs, plus the cost of replacement cartridges, can be a significant barrier. Reverse osmosis systems also tend to waste water, about three times as much as they treat. To conserve water, reverse osmosis systems should be used to treat water used for drinking and cooking only, not as a whole-house filter.
Ion Exchange Water
Ion exchange water filters or “water softeners” that primarily work to reduce calcium and magnesium, which can build up in plumbing and fixtures, as well barium and certain forms of radium that can be found in tap water. These are the best types of filters for your shower water since they do not remove most other contaminants.
Pros: Best for shower water
Cons: Not best for drinking water or plant watering
Spring Water
Natural spring water is a refreshing water source containing tons of organic, natural minerals and a pure, crisp taste.
Springs are formed when any sort of rock, hill, valley bottom or other excavation is saturated with water, and as a result water overflows onto the land surface, creating a spring. For example, in Missouri, the largest springs are formed in limestone and dolomite rock in the Ozarks; both dolomite and limestone fracture relatively easily, allowing for water to flow.
Spring water is about as close to uncontaminated water as you can get—mineral-rich with silica, fluoride, and bicarbonate, naturally alkaline (basic, not acidic) and pure—as long as the water is from a reputable spring. The quality of water in the local ground-water ecosystem will generally determine the quality of spring water (Hint: if your spring is located in a highly polluted city, say New York City, your spring water will reflect that).
Unfortunately, the words “spring water” are used as frequently as the word “natural chicken”, and many bottled water companies slap this name on their label when in fact their water is not legitimate spring water.
The FDA sets strict regulations for spring water, which it says, “spring water must be derived from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface.” Ideally, spring water has to be collected at the spring itself, or through a borehole, or well, that taps the aquifer feeding the spring. If an external force, such as a pump, is used to move the water to the surface, it can’t change the quality and composition of the water, once it reaches the surface, by for example causing it to have more particulates or higher levels of any minerals.
Pros: About as close to uncontaminated water as you can get—mineral-rich with silica, fluoride, and bicarbonate, naturally alkaline (basic, not acidic) and pure
Cons: Many “spring waters” claim to be spring water, but are far from it (ex. Nestle Poland Spring Bottle Water)
Bottled Water
Bottled water is a Wild, Wild West genre when it comes to clean water. But Americans still love it. According to the Beverage Industry, bottled water sales alone are over $20 billion annually. To put that in context, that’s the same amount of money Americans spend on home entertainment each year, 5 times the amount we spend on coffee and double the amount people spend going to Disney World, according to Research America.
Despite the common belief that bottled water is safer to drink and has better taste than tap water, scientific studies have revealed that the belief is not necessarily true (Hu et al, 2011). In fact, an estimated at least 25 percent of bottled water is really just tap water in a bottle—sometimes further treated, sometimes not.
And even if it’s not from the tap, many bottled waters are notorious for contaminants like: the poisonous carcinogen arsenic, E. Coli and other coliform bacteria (found in animal and human poop), caffeine, the pain reliever acetaminophen, fertilizer, solvents, plastic-making chemicals and the radioactive element strontium (EWG, 2008). Unlike bottled water, municipal water systems must notify their customers of test results showing contamination that could pose an immediate health risk, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, which regulates tap water.
One study study showed that only five percent of the bottled water purchased in Cleveland, Ohio had the required fluoride recommended by the state, whereas the sampled tap water 100% met this requirement (Laulumandier, 2000). The same experiment also conducted bacteria count on both bottled water and tap water samples. The result showed that all of the tap water samples had a bacterial content under 3 CFUs/mL (colony-forming unit, a measure of viable bacterial or fungal numbers) and the bottled water samples’ bacterial content ranged from 0.01–4,900 CFUs/mL. Even if there’s low levels of bacteria, some bottled waters are supplemented with extra minerals like sodium and potassium, when over-consumed at high levels can be harmful for people—throwing off electrolyte balance posing cardiovascular and brain health risks. Improper storage of bottled water (high heat) can also harm its consumers. Elevated temperatures are responsible for the release of contaminants from plastics used for water bottles—triggering gut dysbiosis, hormone disruption, and toxicity from regularly drinking water.
Although bottled water manufacturers are subject to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitoring and inspection, specific inspection requirements for bottled water plants are often given low priority for safety inspection compared with other food plants due to FDA staffing and financial constraints (Posnick, Food Safety Magazine, 2002). The “Nutrition Facts” and labels on bottled waters also usually show only limited information about the water.
Bottled Water Label: Meanings
Here are a few bottled water marketing terms to be aware of what they mean.
- Alkaline: Water with a pH level above 7. Some proponents say it can neutralize acid in a person’s blood and so provide a health benefit, though that is controversial and not scientifically validated. This is primarily a water marketing term. Example: Essentia, JUST Water.
- Artesian: Water from a well that draws from an aquifer (underground layer of rock or sand) that contains water. Example: Fiji water.
- Glacier Water: Alaska created its own definition for “glacier water”—it must be water flowing from a glacier and not diluted by another source. Example: Icelandic Glacial
- Mineral: Water with at least 250 parts per million of dissolved solids, with a consistent amount of minerals and trace elements at its source. Manufactuers cannot add additional minerals, unless they add “enhanced with minerals.” Example: Topo Chico
- Municipal Source: Water that came from a tap before being treated any further. A vast majority of bottled water is sourced this way. Example: Aquafina
- Purified: Water that has been treated by various methods to remove chemicals and particulates. Purification methods may include reverse osmosis and distillation. Examples: Dasani (reverse osmosis), SmartWater (distilled), Nestlé Pure Life (distilled)
- Raw: Unfiltered, untreated water, bottled straight from the source. Example: Summit Spring
- Sparkling Bottled Water: Water that naturally contains carbonation. It must have the same level of carbon dioxide after it has been treated (This is different from sparkling water (artificially carbonated water that the FDA calls a soft drink.) Example: Perrier
- Spring: Water that has to be collected at the spring itself, or through a borehole, or well, that taps the aquifer feeding the spring. If an external force, such as a pump, is used to move the water to the surface, it can’t change the quality and composition of the water, once it reaches the surface, by for example causing it to have more particulates or higher levels of any minerals. Example: Evian, Mountain Valley Spring Water
Pros: Convenient; Some (quality companies) may include purified versions drinking water (see Top 5 list below)
Cons: Most bottled are generally no “better” than tap water and pose a risk for toxins and chemicals; Filtered tap water (think: your fridge or faucet) is often a better bet.
Summary: The Best Water Is…
So, which water purifier is best?! Like many things health-related: There is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Choosing the right water filter comes down to several considerations including: price, technology, type (counter top, pitcher, under the sink, etc.) and your lifestyle. No filter eliminates all contaminants, so understanding what filters do and do not do is important.
To help you make the best choice, check out the Environmental Working Group and National Sanitation Foundation’s online filter guides for more research if needed, and when in doubt, consider performing your own “water contamination test”.
The Water Contamination Test
Beyond taste (once you begin tasting cleaner water, you’ll never go back to the fridge or tap again), at-home water test kits, test strips or a TDS meter can help you with your own at-home water experiments to test for the many of the contaminants found in drinking water.
That said, although many of the at-home tests claim they can detect many contaminants they actually miss some of the big players—especially fluoride, chlorine, lead and nitrates.
For the most accurate assessment—especially of your tap water—county health departments and/or state certified laboratories can help you test for contaminants like lead, arsenic, bacteria (coliform), cysts and viruses, chlorine, chloramine, chromium, fluoride, nitrates and nitrites, PFOA and PFOS, Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). You can find a state certified laboratory in your area by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or visiting www.epa.gov/safewater/labs.
Additionally, the Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Database is great for getting an accurate assessment of what’s going on in your city’s tap source.
On that note, here are the top 10 worst bottled waters and my top 3 clean water picks.
The Top 10 Worst Bottled Waters
Find out what’s in your bottled water here: EWG’s Bottled Water Scorecard. Results for 173 bottled water brands are included in the report. More than 50% of the 173 companies surveyed in 2010 flunked EWG’s transparency test.
- Pure Life Purified Water (Nestle), EWG grade = B
- Arrowhead Mountain Spring Water (Nestle), EWG grade = C
- Aquafina Purified Drinking Water (Pepsi), EWG grade = D
- Dasani Purified Water (Coca-Cola), EWG grade = D
- Deer Park Natural Spring Water (Nestle), EWG grade = D
- Ice Mountain Natural Spring Water (Nestle), EWG grade = D
- Ozarka Natural Spring Water (Nestle), EWG grade = D
- Poland Spring Natural Spring Water (Nestle), EWG grade = D
- Zephyrhills Natural Spring Water (Nestle), EWG grade = D
- Crystal Geyser Natural Alpine Spring Water (CG Roxane), EWG grade = F
My Top 3 Clean Water Picks
Research and water technologies are constantly evolving, but as it stands today, my top 3 clean water selections—in no particular order—include:
Can you believe August is already starting to fly by 😳?!?!? Get those Summer Adventures in while you still can!!! Sunshine ✔️ Fresh air✔️ Any water source✔️ Berkey ✅ pic.twitter.com/STktDh7ts2
— Berkey Filters (@BerkeyFilters) August 6, 2020
1.) The Berkey Water Filter
2.) Aquasana Reverse Osmosis System
3.) Rising Springs & Mountain Valley Spring Water (delivered to your doorstep or available)