In this age of industrialization, development, and pollution, it’s only natural that we are worried about the purity of our drinking water.
To quote a Slovakian proverb,
“Pure water is the world’s first and foremost medicine”.
We are blessed to have this medicine directly supplied to our homes. Sadly, it isn’t pure anymore, rather, it has become a slow toxin that is affecting our health in a harmful manner. Nowadays, people can’t rely upon tap water due to all the impurities and health hazards it’s bringing.
To cope up with this problem, our pure water-loving communities have found 3 ways to get clean water.
- Usage of bottled water and canes
- Boiling water
- Installation of Water filters
The question is, which of these is the best method? Is bottled water as pure as it looks? Does boiling water make it disease-free? Are water filters really what they claim to be?
Don’t worry, it’s quite easy to make your choice once you know the pros and cons of each of these water purification systems.
Let’s compare the advantages and disadvantages of each of these three options to figure out the best one!
Bottled Water
Advantages
- Clean, Clear, and Tasty – Bottled water is odorless, clear, and tastes better.
- Portability – Bottled water is fully portable. Even if you forget to get one from home, you can buy it from outside.
- Availability and Convenience – Most suppliers are just one call away from supplying you with your daily cane of clear water.
Disadvantages
Expense
The yearly cost of bottled water for a family of 4, consuming 8 glasses daily per person, is nearly $3,114.67 (0.4$ per bottle).
According to NRDC, only 10% of the cost is actually for water and the rest is paid for bottle manufacturing and transportation.
Health Risks
Bottled water might seem a health-friendly option, but there are a few question marks.
As per NRDC, one-third of the bottled water contains significant contamination.
Another study showed that approximately 25% of the tested water samples contained at least one harmful contaminant, generally, arsenic, or certain cancer-causing man-made (synthetic) organic compounds.
Furthermore, mineral water bottled in plastic is found to have phthalate concentrations. Phthalate is a chemical that disrupts our hormonal system and dysregulates many functions in our body. Hence, bottled water also adds medical costs.
Originality
Oh yes, you guessed it right! The bottled water that you consume might not be as pure as promised on the packaging. After a four-year review of the bottled-water industry, NRDC concluded that there is no assurance that bottled water is cleaner or safer than tap water.
Hazardous to the Environment
Most plastic types are non-biodegradable, which means the majority of the plastic packaging still exists and is contaminating our environment, marine life, water sources, and lands.
Boiled Water
Advantages
- Cost Friendly – Since all you need is gas or electricity, the price of boiled water is a lot less than bottled water.
- Kills Microorganisms – With proper technique, boiling may get rid of microorganisms dangerous for your health.
- Filters Contaminants – Since water boils at a higher temperature than some of the contaminants; therefore, they are eliminated before the water reaches its boiling point, and thus, becomes cleaner.
Disadvantages
Time Consuming, More Labor and Less convenient
It’s obvious, boiling water requires quite some time and labor. Furthermore, the whole process is relatively bothersome as compared to the other water purification sources.
Does Not Remove Physical and Chemical Contaminants
Since it does not clear chemical contaminants, such as lead, arsenic, and mercury, the threats to health are scantily minimized. In addition to this, the boiling of water doesn’t alter the taste, smell, and color of the water.
Makes Hard Water Harder
If your water is contaminated by calcium and magnesium salts, boiling it will further aggravate its quality and you’ll be unable to use it for normal drinking, cooking, or laundry purposes.
Cause Diseases
Boiling water’s response is not appropriate when chemical contamination is present. In fact, boiling water may increase the concentration of some of the elements rather than filtering them. This makes the water more harmful to drink, leading to nervous, respiratory, and gastrointestinal diseases.
Furthermore, infants may get a disease known as “blue baby disease” (methemoglobinemia), which is life-threatening in many cases.
Filtered Water
Advantages
Better Removal of Contaminants
When it comes to removing contaminants, water filters are the surest way of removing the majority of them from your water.
Cost Friendly
Depending upon your need, some of the good faucet filters for kitchen may only cost $20-$60 and the whole house filters, that filter from your drinking water to bathing water, may only cost $150 to $500.
Not to mention, these are one-time prices you pay for multiple years!
The Water Smells and Tastes Better
Since water filter removes all the impurities, your water not only tastes better and looks clear like bottled water, it also removes the majority of the impurities, unlike bottled water.
Whole House Water Filters
Yes, there are many amazing whole house filtration plants available, which not only filter your drinking and cooking water but also your laundry and bathing water.
This feature is almost impossible with the cost of bottled waters, and with the labor and time required for boiling.
Top Whole House Water Filters Reviewed:
Disadvantages
Installation
Depending upon your choice of water filter, the installation may require the professional help of plumbers or from the staff of the water filter company.
One-time price and maintenance.
The initial price and maintenance of some water filters may seem like a disadvantage at first but considering how much it saves in the long run, it’s really worth the one-time price.
Practically speaking, a water filter gives you pure water, while saving you money, time, as well as labor. Bottled water is only a feasible option when you’re out of your house and forgot to bring the filtered water along; whereas, boiled water is an option when you’re living in an area where water filter installation may require time. But even in these cases, a portable water filter such as the filter pitcher might be a better choice.
So why go for bottled water or boiled water when you can have something far less expensive and far more efficient?
The choice is yours!
Check out the comparison between different types of water filters to decipher the one that suits your needs!