Fifty years ago we would have thought it ridiculous to buy water in bottles. We had water available to us in faucets located most everywhere. Only the well-to-do would have the money to buy “elite” water – like Perrier – and then only to drink at a posh restaurant.
Today whole aisles of almost every grocery are devoted to water – in bottles. In 2023, Americans spent $49 million on nearly 16 million gallons of bottled water. It seems we have developed a reticence to drink tap water.
Safe tap water is available in all the developed countries of the world thanks to a multitude of safety standards in the United States, the UK, Europe, Australia, and Japan. In general, since the mid-1960’s, normal tap water has had to pass strict regulations from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) in every municipality for mineral content, bacterial contamination, commercial fertilizer residues, and contaminants from industrial run-off. For the 43 million Americans (11% of the US population) who get their household and drinking water from private wells, the testing is up to the individual householders.
In the last 30 years, we have become very particular as to how our water smells and tastes. Although the occasional sulfur-like smell, chlorine taste, or discoloration does not necessarily mean that the water is contaminated or unsafe, we all know that tap water at the beach smells and tastes quite differently from city water or mountain resort water.
As health education experts have increasingly emphasized the need for maintaining hydration, everyone knows they must drink their daily four liters for males and three liters for females. As a result, Americans are seen in every venue – sports arenas to church services – carrying bottled water or specialized water containers.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strictly regulates those companies who produce and distribute bottled water. The same standards for sanitation and content are required in bottled water as for tap water. But, the plastic bottles themselves can break down over time introducing microplastic particles into the water which may negatively affect the functioning of the endocrine, immune, and reproductive systems. Also, when water is allowed to stand in plastic bottle in high heat over time, the chemicals used to make the water bottles transparent and flexible – bisphenol A and others – can leech into the water with similar results.
Nevertheless, we want our water to taste and smell a certain way and we are willing to pay for it – in bottles.
Now entrepreneurs are capitalizing on our heightened fixation on water to promote and produce for sale bottled water with special additives.
“Bottled Water” is water from a municipal water system with some purification measures or filtration methods that change the taste. “Spring Water” is rain water that has moved underground to a particular spring. FDA regulations require that “spring water” have the same composition as the water from that spring. “Mineral Water” is spring water that certifies the water contains at least 250 parts per million of the minerals and trace elements present in the original spring water.
“Alkaline Water” is water with an altered alkaline content (higher pH). The contention is that this will neutralize acid in the bloodstream either for enhanced workout recovery or disease prevention. The pH (acid content) of the blood stream is extremely tightly controlled by the body’s own chemical machinery. Only serious disease can change that control. The pH of the stomach can be changed by medicines that slow the production of stomach acid such that certain minerals necessary for proper body functions – calcium and iron, for example – might not be properly absorbed. But additives in water will NOT appreciably change stomach acidity and will certainly NOT change blood pH. To do so would put an individual at extreme danger of major body dysfunction.
“Enhanced Water” has micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals added. These vitamin additives are usually Vit. C and/or B which are water soluble. The kidney will immediately eliminate any that are not immediately needed. These waters frequently have sweetener for an inviting taste.
“Electrolyte Water” is intended for athletes and workers in extreme heat who lose large amounts of water and salt by sweating through extreme exertion. These drinks are not necessary for moderate exercise as food and water are sufficient to replace the water and salt. These drinks can also be useful in coping with salt and water loss by vomiting and/or diarrhea.
“Hydrogen Water” is plain water with hydrogen bubbled through it. The small amount of hydrogen contained in this water is miniscule compared to the high acid content of stomach acid. The results claimed for this water are not well-substantiated.
Water, water everywhere. But certainly plain, safe water is readily available to everyone. Be knowledgeable about water sources and additives. Be smart about where you spend your money.
