RO Water vs Bottled Water: Which is the Better Choice?
Staying hydrated is essential, but with so many options available, choosing the right water source can be tricky. Two common choices are reverse osmosis (RO) water and bottled water. Let's break down the key differences to help you decide which is best for you.
The Showdown: RO Water vs. Bottled Water
RO water generally boasts a higher level of purity, removing a wider range of contaminants. It's also typically more cost-effective in the long run and avoids the environmental burden of plastic bottles. Bottled water, on the other hand, offers on-the-go convenience but can vary significantly in quality and may even contain microplastics. Interestingly, many bottled water brands actually use RO filtration to purify their water.
Key Considerations:
Purity: RO systems are designed to remove a high percentage of dissolved solids, including contaminants like lead, arsenic, chlorine, and pesticides. This often results in purer water compared to many bottled water brands.
Cost: While an RO system requires an initial investment, the cost per gallon of RO water is usually much lower than buying bottled water, making it a more economical choice over time.
Environmental Impact: RO systems eliminate the need for single-use plastic bottles, drastically reducing plastic waste associated with bottled water consumption. This makes RO water a much more environmentally friendly option.
Taste and Mineral Content: Some people find RO water to have a slightly bland taste due to the removal of minerals. There are some that also prefer water bottles, as some brands use spring water, and they prefer the taste of that. However, some RO systems can be designed to remineralize the water to enhance the taste.
Convenience: Bottled water excels in convenience. It's readily available and portable, making it a good option for travel or when you're on the go.
The Bottled Water Dilemma:
Beyond the convenience factor, there are some important things to consider about bottled water:
Plastic Concerns: Plastic has come under increasing scrutiny due to its environmental impact and potential health effects. Plastic water bottles can leach chemicals into the water, especially when exposed to heat or over time. These bottles are also a major contributor to waste, often ending up in landfills and waterways.
Cost: Bottled water can be surprisingly expensive, especially for larger households or frequent consumers. The costs add up quickly, making a water filtration system a potentially money-saving alternative.
Logistics: Relying on bottled water means purchasing, transporting, and storing it. This adds extra time, effort, and often additional costs (like gas). RO systems, with their periodic (and often automatically scheduled) maintenance, offer greater convenience in the long run.
The RO Advantage:
Research has even indicated that RO systems often provide better filtration than some bottled water companies. The National Resources Defense Council reported that a significant percentage of bottled water is simply repackaged tap water.
One of the most compelling benefits of RO water is its in home convenience. Systems can be installed under your sink, providing access to filtered water straight from a tap. No more trips to the store, and no more plastic bottle waste!
The Bottom Line:
As a nation, we spend billions of dollars annually on bottled water. While it's a common sight, it's not necessarily the best choice for our environment or our wallets. Exploring alternatives like reverse osmosis can be a worthwhile investment, offering clean water, long term cost savings, and a reduced environmental footprint. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and priorities, but based on the factors outlined above our recommendation is Reverse Osmosis.