The Truth About Tap Water and Finding the Best Drinking Water for Your Health
- Jan 29
- 6 min read
Water is essential to life, and the quality of the water we drink can significantly impact our health. While many of us simply turn on the tap without a second thought, understanding what's actually in your drinking water, and what might be missing, can help you make more informed choices for you and your family.
Why Tap Water Isn't Always the Best Choice
Before we dive in, let's be clear: tap water in most developed countries is generally safe to drink and heavily regulated. However, "safe" doesn't always mean "optimal," and there are several legitimate reasons why you might want to look beyond what comes out of your faucet.
The Real Concerns About Tap Water
1. Disinfection Byproducts
To kill harmful bacteria and pathogens, water treatment facilities use chlorine and chloramine. While these chemicals make water microbiologically safe, they can form byproducts called trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), which have been linked to increased cancer risk with long-term exposure.
2. Aging Infrastructure
Many cities still rely on water pipes that are 50-100 years old. These aging pipes can leach lead, copper, and other metals into your drinking water. The Flint, Michigan water crisis brought this issue to national attention, but it's far from an isolated case.
3. Pharmaceutical and Chemical Residues
Modern water treatment wasn't designed to remove all the contaminants we face today.
Studies have found trace amounts of:
Prescription medications
Hormones
PFAS (forever chemicals)
Pesticides and herbicides
Microplastics
While these are typically present in very small amounts, the long-term health effects of low-dose exposure are still being studied.
4. Mineral Depletion
Some municipal water treatment processes strip water of beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium, and trace minerals that support optimal health. This is why it's important to drink electrolyte water.
5. Geographic Variation
Water quality varies dramatically depending on where you live. Some areas have naturally hard water with high mineral content, while others have soft water. Some regions have contamination from industrial runoff or agricultural chemicals.
What Makes Water "The Best" for Your Health?
The ideal drinking water should:
Be free from contaminants: No harmful chemicals, heavy metals, or pathogens
Contain beneficial minerals: Calcium, magnesium, potassium, and trace minerals
Have an optimal pH: Slightly alkaline (7.0-8.5) is ideal for most people
Be fresh and properly stored: Minimal time in plastic containers
Taste clean and refreshing: If water doesn't taste good, you won't drink enough of it
The Best Drinking Water Options
1. Filtered Tap Water (Best Value for Most People)
High-quality filtration of your tap water often provides the best balance of cost, convenience, and quality.
Where to get it: Install a filtration system in your home
Best filtration methods:
Reverse Osmosis (RO): Removes 95-99% of contaminants including fluoride, heavy metals, and chemicals. Add a remineralization filter to restore beneficial minerals.
Carbon Block Filters: Excellent for removing chlorine, VOCs, and many chemicals. Less expensive than RO.
Multi-stage Systems: Combine different filtration methods for comprehensive purification
Pros: Cost-effective long-term, convenient, environmentally friendly
Cons: Initial investment, requires maintenance, RO systems waste some water
2. Natural Spring Water
Spring water flows naturally from underground sources and often contains beneficial minerals.
Where to get it:
Find a local spring using FindASpring.com
Purchase bottled spring water from reputable sources (glass bottles preferred)
Look for brands that provide water quality reports
Pros: Natural minerals, often great taste, connects you with local water sources
Cons: Need to verify source quality, transportation required, bottled versions create waste
3. Structured/Filtered Well Water
If you have access to a well, this can be an excellent source once properly tested and filtered.
Where to get it: Your own property or a friend's property with a well
Pros: Independent water source, often mineral-rich, cost-effective long-term
Cons: Requires regular testing, may need filtration, not available to most people
4. High-Quality Bottled Water (Convenience Option)*
When filtered home water isn't available, choose wisely.
Where to get it: Grocery stores, health food stores
Best options:
Glass-bottled spring water
BPA-free containers if plastic is necessary
Brands with transparent sourcing and quality reports
Avoid: cheap purified water in thin plastic bottles
Pros: Convenient, portable, consistent quality
Cons: Expensive long-term, environmental impact, potential chemical leaching from plastic
Practical Recommendations: Your Action Plan
Immediate Steps:
Check your local water quality report: In the US, visit the EPA's website or request a report from your water utility
Consider testing your tap water: Home test kits or professional lab testing can reveal what's really in your water
Start with a basic carbon filter: An inexpensive pitcher filter or faucet-mounted filter is better than nothing
Long-Term Investment:
Install an under-sink filtration system: RO with remineralization is the gold standard for most homes
Use glass or stainless steel containers: Avoid storing water in plastic when possible
Regular filter maintenance: Change filters according to manufacturer recommendations
On a Budget:
Use a quality pitcher filter
Let tap water sit in a glass container overnight (allows chlorine to evaporate)
Find a local spring source
Split the cost of a whole-house filter with roommates or family
*High-Quality Bottled Water Option
Based on recent taste tests and quality analyses, here are my bottled water brand recommendations organized by category:
BEST PREMIUM OPTIONS (Worth the Investment)
Icelandic Glacial - Currently ranked #1 in multiple 2025 taste tests
Alkaline pH of 8.4, crisp and clean with slight mineral notes
Sourced from Iceland's Ölfus Spring
Where to buy: Most major grocery stores, Whole Foods, Amazon
Essentia - Top-rated for purity and taste
Ionized alkaline water, pH 9.5, very light and crisp
Where to buy: Target, CVS, most grocery stores
Mountain Valley Spring Water - Historic premium brand
Natural spring water from Arkansas, glass bottles available
Official White House water since 1920
Where to buy: Whole Foods, specialty retailers, online delivery
Just Water - Best for sustainability
Adirondack Mountain spring water in 88% plant-based packaging
Clean taste with good hydration quality
Where to buy: Whole Foods, Target, many grocery stores
GOOD SPRING WATER OPTIONS (Solid Mid-Range)
Fiji - Well-known premium option
Artesian aquifer water from Fiji
Naturally filtered through volcanic rock
Where to buy: Everywhere - grocery stores, gas stations, convenience stores
Volvic - European favorite
Balanced mineral content, volcanic filtration in France
Where to buy: Whole Foods, specialty grocery stores
Poland Spring - Reliable Northeast US brand
Various New England spring sources
Committed to recycled packaging
Where to buy: Most grocery stores (especially East Coast)
Crystal Geyser - Budget-friendly spring water
Multiple spring sources across the US
Where to buy: Most grocery stores, very affordable
GLASS BOTTLE PREMIUM OPTIONS
Acqua Panna - Italian fine dining standard
Neutral pH, food-friendly, 100% recyclable glass
Where to buy: Whole Foods, upscale grocery stores
San Pellegrino (still version) - Not just sparkling
Alpine source, centuries-old springs in Northern Italy
Where to buy: Most grocery stores
BRANDS TO AVOID
These are essentially filtered tap water with questionable taste:
Aquafina (Pepsi product - purified tap water)
Dasani (Coca-Cola product - purified tap water)
Nestlé Pure Life (tap water, controversial sourcing)
Smart Water (vapor-distilled tap water with added minerals)
Top 3 Overall Recommendations
For daily home use: Install a good filter and buy Icelandic Glacial or Mountain Valley in glass for special occasions
For on-the-go convenience: Just Water (sustainable) or Essentia (widely available)
Best value spring water: Crystal Geyser or Poland Spring
Important Notes
Glass is always better than plastic to avoid microplastics and chemical leaching
Check the label - look for "spring water" or "mineral water," not "purified" or "distilled"
Regional availability varies - some brands are stronger in certain parts of the US
Read the source information - quality brands tell you exactly where the water comes from
The reality: While Fiji and Evian are heavily marketed, brands like Icelandic Glacial and Mountain Valley often score higher in blind taste tests for quality and purity. Don't always equate price with quality - some expensive brands are just marketing hype.
Tips for Maintaining Water Quality at Home
Even the best water can become contaminated if not handled properly. Follow these tips:
Clean water containers regularly to prevent bacterial growth.
Replace filters according to manufacturer instructions.
Store bottled water in a cool, dark place away from chemicals.
Avoid plastic bottles exposed to heat or sunlight to reduce chemical leaching.
The Bottom Line
Tap water isn't inherently bad, but it's not always optimized for health either. The best drinking water for you depends on your local water quality, budget, and health priorities.
For most people, a high-quality home filtration system provides the best combination of safety, mineral content, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.
Remember: staying hydrated with imperfect water is better than not drinking enough water at all. Start where you are, improve what you can, and prioritize making clean water accessible and habitual in your daily life.
Your health is worth the investment in quality water, after all, your body is about 60% water, and you're literally rebuilding yourself with every glass you drink.
Related Blogs:
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult with healthcare professionals for personalized health recommendations. Always ensure your water source is microbiologically safe before consumption.
Comments