Is Bottled Water Safer Than Tap Water in New Hampshire?

TL;DR: When comparing bottled water vs tap water in NH, both have risks, but bottled water is often less transparent, more expensive, and environmentally harmful. Tap water, especially in New Hampshire, can contain contaminants like PFAS and lead. Thankfully, these issues can be addressed with a reliable home filtration system. Filtration provides a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution for clean and safe water.

Healthy living and even delicious meals or drinks depend on clean water. Whether it’s for cleaning, cooking, or making that perfect cup of coffee, water quality matters. But with concerns over contaminants like PFAS and lead in New Hampshire, it’s no surprise that some people turn to bottled water as an alternative to tap water.

Here’s the thing: Although most people assume bottled water is as pure as it gets, that’s not always the case. Let’s dive into the facts and take a closer look at filtered water vs bottled water starting with safety standards and regulations.

Bottled Water Regulations

Tap water is overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which sets strict standards for water quality under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Public water suppliers must regularly test for contaminants like bacteria, lead, and harmful chemicals such as PFAS. The results are then published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs).

Bottled water, on the other hand, is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While the FDA requires bottled water to meet certain standards, the oversight isn’t as rigorous. For instance, bottled water manufacturers are not required to disclose their water sources or test results unless consumers ask. Additionally, bottled water is tested less frequently than tap water.

Instead of relying on bottled water, homeowners can benefit from reliable water filtration systems in NH to remove contaminants like PFAS, which aren’t always tested for by bottled water manufacturers.

Common Contaminants in Bottled and Tap Water

First, the question must be answered, Why even worry about water quality? Is the water safe to drink in New Hampshire? Water quality varies across the state and in some places, tests reveal high levels of contamination.

Contaminants in Bottled Water

Bottled water may seem pristine, but studies have found that it can contain harmful substances, including:

• Microplastics: In one study, 93% of the 259 bottles of water tested (from global brands) contained microplastic particles.
• Chemical Leaching: Chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) can leach into the water from plastic bottles, especially when exposed to heat. PFAS chemicals have also been detected across bottled water brands.
• Unknown Origins: Some bottled water comes from municipal sources—essentially repackaged tap water—without significant treatment. Sometimes you can find the water source printed on the label or bottle, but not always.

Contaminants in Tap Water

Tap water is subject to different risks depending on the source. In New Hampshire, common tap water concerns include:

• PFAS: Persistent chemicals that have been detected in several areas of the state, often from industrial pollution.
• Lead: Found in older plumbing systems, lead contamination is a significant health risk, especially for children.
• Bacteria and Nitrates: More common in private wells, these contaminants can pose serious health issues if left untreated.

Cost Comparison: Filtered Water vs Bottled

Switching to bottled water can be expensive. On average, bottled water costs about $1.60/bottle or a little less if you get it at a wholesale price per gallon. That’s nearly 600 x the cost of tap water, which averages less than a penny per gallon. Over time, the cost adds up, especially for families.

For the same cost as a year’s supply of bottled water, you could install a high-quality water filtration system in your NH home. Not only would this provide clean water for drinking, but it would also improve the quality of water for cooking, bathing, and cleaning.

Environmental Impacts of Bottled Water

Bottled water also has a huge cost to the environment. In the United States alone, over 50 billion plastic water bottles are used annually. Less than 30% are recycled. The rest end up in landfills or as litter, contributing to pollution and harming wildlife. Plus, producing and transporting all of this bottled water consumes massive amounts of energy.

Filtration: A Better Alternative

If you’re concerned about water safety, your health, and plastic waste, you have a great alternative. Water filtration systems in NH are highly effective for removing a range of contaminants.

Effectiveness

A home filtration system can remove a wide range of contaminants, including PFAS, lead, chlorine, and bacteria. Systems like reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters are highly effective and can be tailored to your specific water quality needs.

Convenience

Unlike bottled water, which requires frequent purchases and storage space, a filtration system provides unlimited clean water directly from your tap.

Cost Savings

While the upfront cost of a filtration system may seem significant, it pays for itself over time by eliminating the need for bottled water. Maintenance is also minimal, with most filters needing replacement only once or twice a year.

Eco-Friendly

By reducing reliance on single-use plastics, home water filtration systems significantly decrease your household’s environmental footprint. Comparing filtered water vs bottled, filtration offers both safety and convenience without the waste.

Why New Hampshire Homes Need Filtration

New Hampshire residents face unique water quality challenges, including the presence of PFAS and other contaminants. Regular testing and filtration are especially critical for households on private wells because they’re not regulated by the EPA. And even public water systems, while regulated, may still contain trace amounts of harmful substances that filtration can effectively remove.

Filtered Water vs Bottled: How They Stack Up

When it comes to bottled water vs tap water in NH, the answer isn’t as straightforward as one being “safer” than the other. Both have potential risks, and neither is foolproof. However, bottled water’s high cost, environmental impact, and lack of transparency make it a less ideal choice.

For a more sustainable and cost-effective solution, consider a home water filtration system. Not only does it provide clean, safe water for your family, but it also helps protect the environment and saves you money in the long run. With a filtration system, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the safety of purified water and the convenience of drinking straight from the tap.