Choosing the type of water we drink every day has a direct impact on our health, our finances and the environment. Although tap water is safe in many countries, there is still a widespread perception that bottled water is superior.
At the same time, household water filtration systems have become increasingly popular, promising to improve the quality of drinking water.
In this article, we compare these three options from the perspectives of health, quality, sustainability and cost, to help you make an informed decision.
Nutrients and minerals in water: do they really matter?
Before analysing individual sources of drinking water, it is important to understand the potential nutritional contribution of water. Many people consume mineral water because they believe it is healthier. But is it?
In 2015, the WHO held a conference with experts from around the world to investigate this question. Information from more than 80 epidemiological studies conducted over the past 50 years was reviewed, examining the consumption of hard water, the influence of its mineral content and its possible relationship with a reduced incidence of ischaemic cardiovascular disease.
Tap water and bottled water supplies vary widely in their mineral content. Some provide appreciable amounts of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, selenium, fluoride or zinc, due to natural conditions, intentional additions or even leaching from pipes (such as copper). However, most drinking waters provide low levels of essential minerals from a nutritional point of view.
The most relevant nutrients found in drinking water at significant levels include:
- Calcium: essential for bone health and possibly cardiovascular health.
- Magnesium: associated with bone and cardiovascular benefits.
- Fluoride: effective in preventing dental caries.
- Sodium: an important electrolyte, especially in conditions of excessive sweating.
- Copper: involved in antioxidant functions and iron metabolism.
- Selenium: key for overall antioxidant function and the immune system.
- Potassium: important in various biochemical processes, although rarely present in significant concentrations in natural drinking water.
The conference concluded that the hypothesis that hard water has beneficial effects is probably valid, with magnesium being the mineral with the greatest positive impact. However, the WHO also emphasised that diet, not water, is the primary source of minerals.
Source: WHO, Conference on Water Sanitation, 2015.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that water should not be a primary source of minerals, but rather a supplement. Therefore, the presence or absence of these minerals alone is not a sufficient criterion for determining the best water to drink.
It is also worth noting that some reverse osmosis filtration systems remove beneficial minerals, while others, such as the EcoPro filter from Tappwater, maintain a good balance by removing contaminants without affecting essential minerals.
Bottled water: myths, reality and risks
For years, bottled water has been considered a “purer” or “safer” alternative, especially in places where tap water does not taste pleasant or where there are doubts about its quality.
According to European legislation (Directive 2009/54/EC), natural mineral waters “originate from an underground aquifer or deposit, emerge from one or more natural or drilled springs and have specific hygienic characteristics and, where appropriate, health-related properties”.
What benefits does bottled mineral water offer?
In some cases, certain bottled mineral waters have a specific mineral profile that may be beneficial in particular situations. This includes calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, chloride, iron, sulphate or combinations thereof.
In addition, their availability almost everywhere and their long shelf life make them convenient.
However, these studies confirmed that minerals themselves are healthy, not necessarily that mineral water is healthier than other types of water. Based on this, tap water or foods containing these minerals can provide the same health benefits, particularly in regions where people lack a varied diet rich in fruit and vegetables.
- Chloride – salt and vegetables
- Bicarbonate – bread
- Magnesium – black beans, spinach, banana
- Calcium – dairy products, broccoli, almonds, kale
- Potassium – banana, potato, broccoli, courgette
- Sulphate – eggs, garlic, broccoli, kale
- Iron – spinach, broccoli, dried fruit, nuts
Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition
Negative aspects and common risks
Numerous studies have focused on the safety of bottled water, particularly the migration of chemical compounds from plastic packaging into the water.
Among the main concerns are plasticisers and endocrine disruptors (EDs), as well as the presence of microplastics and microbial contaminants.
Plasticisers, such as DEHP (di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate), are used to make plastic flexible but can migrate into bottled water, especially when it has been exposed to heat. EDs are chemical substances that interfere with the endocrine system and have been associated with hormonal disruptions in both humans and animals.
A study by Pinto et al. analysing 30 samples of Italian mineral water bottled in PET revealed oestrogenic activity in 90% of the samples.
Other research in Germany showed significantly higher oestrogenic activity in PET bottles compared to glass or TetraPak containers.
The University of Granada also identified hormonal activity in all analysed bottles, both glass and plastic, sold in southern Spain.
This oestrogenic activity has been linked to health problems such as breast and prostate cancer, as well as reproductive and developmental disturbances in wildlife and domestic animals.
Regarding microplastics, a study conducted by OrbMedia in 2018 on 250 bottles from 11 different brands found microplastics in 92% of the samples, with an average of 314.6 particles per litre. Some bottles contained up to 10,000 particles per litre. These figures are double those found in tap water samples.
Finally, both bottled and tap water can contain microbial contaminants such as Cryptosporidium, which poses a particular risk to immunocompromised individuals. To prevent infection, boiling the water or using a certified household water filter is recommended.
Sources: Bottled Water Health Series, EPA (2005); State University of New York at Fredonia (2018); University of Granada; Pinto et al.
Tap water: quality, benefits and risks
Just a few decades ago, few people questioned the quality of tap water. Today, with greater awareness of health and environmental issues, this debate has changed.
Growing research into emerging contaminants such as nitrates, disinfection by-products, lead, microplastics and pharmaceutical residues has led many people to abandon tap water in favour of bottled water, despite the fact that in many cases tap water remains a safe and more sustainable option.
How healthy is tap water?
Thanks to European regulations and improvements in treatment systems, tap water in most of Europe is potable, safe and subject to regular monitoring. In fact, in cities with hard water, its mineral content can be comparable to or even higher than that of many bottled waters.
For example, a study from McGill University observed that drinking 2 litres of tap water per day could cover between 6% and 18% of the recommended daily intake of calcium.
According to USDA data, tap water could provide:
- Copper: 10% of the RDI
- Calcium: 6%
- Magnesium: 5%
- Sodium: 3%
At maximum concentrations, these figures could be much higher. In addition, many water suppliers publish up-to-date public reports showing mineral content and contaminant levels.
Potential risks of tap water
Despite its advantages, there are risks associated with infrastructure and treatment methods:
- Lead: In 2009, it was estimated that 25% of EU households had lead pipes, potentially exposing millions of people. The American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that there is no safe level of lead in the blood, especially for children.
- Chlorine and disinfection by-products (DBPs): Several meta-analyses have linked prolonged exposure to chlorine and its by-products with an increased risk of bladder and colorectal cancer, as well as congenital anomalies and pregnancy complications.
- Pharmaceutical products: Drug residues have been detected in water, mainly originating from intensive livestock farming and industrial products such as BPA. Although concentrations are low, their presence is under surveillance.
- Microplastics: According to Orb Media (2017), 83% of tap water samples analysed worldwide contained microplastics. Although the health risks are not yet fully understood, their continued presence is a cause for concern.
Verdict
Tap water is generally a safe, accessible option with a lower environmental impact. In some cities, its mineral content exceeds that of bottled water.
Nevertheless, its quality can vary depending on local infrastructure and treatment, and there are documented risks associated with contaminants such as lead, chlorine, microplastics and pharmaceutical residues.
For this reason, many people choose to add a household filtration system that removes these elements without giving up the benefits of public water supplies.
Filtered tap water: the healthiest and most sustainable option
Household water filters are not new, but in recent years there have been significant advances in their effectiveness, ease of use, cost and sustainability.
Today, having a home filtration system is accessible for any household in Europe. Faced with the ongoing challenges of both tap and bottled water, point-of-use filtration presents itself as a highly effective middle-ground solution.
Is filtered water healthier?
Both tap and bottled water can contain contaminants. Some of these, such as microplastics, disinfection by-products (DBPs) or pharmaceutical residues, may take years or even decades to be fully addressed. For this reason, a filter installed at home can significantly reduce exposure to these substances.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives concluded that activated carbon tap water filters could provide significant short-term benefits by removing halogenated DBPs. However, proper maintenance and regular cartridge replacement are essential to ensure effectiveness.
The EcoPro filter from Tappwater, for example, is designed with block activated carbon and has been independently tested under international standards (NSF). This type of filter removes chlorine, lead, nitrates, microplastics and more than 100 substances, without affecting beneficial minerals.
Risks and limitations of filtration systems
Not all filters offer the same quality or safety. Some systems, such as reverse osmosis, remove almost everything from the water, including essential minerals. While this may not be a problem with a balanced diet, it can affect taste and may require remineralisation.
An additional risk is bacterial growth within the filter itself. Studies have shown that both reverse osmosis systems and activated carbon filters can become breeding grounds for bacteria if not properly maintained.
Research conducted in Germany concluded that 24 out of 34 filters analysed increased the bacterial load of the water after several weeks of use.
In activated carbon filters, this happens because bacteria are trapped but not killed. If cartridges are not replaced as recommended, contaminants can be released back into water that had already been treated with chlorine.
For this reason, it is essential to choose a certified system suitable for the intended use and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations rigorously regarding cartridge changes and maintenance.
Verdict
A quality filter tailored to your needs can drastically reduce exposure to contaminants present in tap water, without generating plastic waste or unnecessary costs.
That said, a poorly maintained or low-quality filter can compromise water safety. The key is choosing wisely and maintaining it properly.
Comparison and final verdict: which water should you choose?
In Europe, tap water, bottled water and filtered water are generally safe for human consumption. However, safety does not mean the absence of risk. What matters is understanding that the goal is not to eliminate all risks, but to reduce them as much as reasonably possible, based on evidence and information.
Below is a general comparison based on minerals, contaminants and sustainability:
Bottled water
- Minerals: low to high, depending on origin and type (natural mineral or purified)
- Contaminants: medium risk (microplastics, endocrine disruptors, chemical residues)
- Sustainability: very low. High carbon footprint and plastic waste generation
Tap water
- Minerals: low to high, depending on local water hardness
- Contaminants: medium risk (chlorine, lead in old pipes, pharmaceuticals, microplastics)
- Sustainability: high. Uses existing infrastructure without generating waste
Filtered tap water
- Minerals: medium to high, depending on the type of filter (activated carbon filters preserve minerals)
- Contaminants: very low risk, if a certified and well-maintained filter is used
- Sustainability: very high. Reduces plastic waste and long-term costs
Our recommendation
Filtered water offers the best combination of health, sustainability and economic efficiency. A quality, independently tested filter such as EcoPro from Tappwater can be adapted to the type of water in your area and minimise exposure to contaminants without sacrificing the benefits of natural minerals. It also helps reduce plastic use and ecological footprint.
While no option is completely risk-free, filtering tap water at home is a smart way to manage those risks proactively and healthily.
Conclusion: an informed, healthy and sustainable choice
Not all water is the same, and choosing the best option for you and your family depends on being well informed. If you live in an area where tap water is potable, filtering it with an effective system such as EcoPro can be the healthiest, safest and most environmentally friendly solution.
Reducing bottled water consumption not only improves your health and finances, but also helps build a future with less plastic waste and greater environmental awareness.
