Is bottled water safer?
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(CNN) — The rumor: You shouldn’t trust tap water
Drinking plenty of water is important for your health, because it maintains bodily functions, carries nutrients to cells and helps you stay hydrated and energized.
But you’ve probably wondered: Is fancy bottled water somehow better for you than plain tap water? And is it even OK to drink tap water without using a water-filtration device?
The verdict: Both tap and bottled water meet safety standards
Many people believe that because bottled water goes through a filtration process that improves its taste, odor and color, it’s also healthier for you. Filtration eliminates possible contaminants such as lead, parasites and byproducts of chlorine, so it’s gotta be better, right?
Well, not really. “While (filters) can reduce exposure to (harmful) elements, it doesn’t necessarily mean bottled water will be better for your overall health,” says Katherine Patton, a registered dietician and certified sports dietician.
In the U.S., tap water is already treated to remove particles, chemicals and bacteria. During the process of treating public water, chlorine is added as a disinfectant, and fluoride is added for its dental health benefits (though there are those who say fluoride does more harm than good)….