A recent NPR article sought to answer the question “which water is the best for your health?” The answer, which may be surprising to many, is that tap water is in most cases as healthy as bottled water. Of course, as stated in the article, there’s one big caveat to this—the tap water must meet all health and safety codes.
Here’s a quick summary of some of the key points provided in the article:
- Lead is one of the big, dangerous pollutants that can potentially make your tap water unhealthy. NPR created this test you can use to see if you have lead pipes in your home.
- The article quotes a registered dietitian and epidemiologist who says that water-filter pitchers don’t do much to make your tap water healthier (though they may help change the taste or odor of your water).
- When it comes to high-end bottled water containing extra minerals like potassium and magnesium, the article says you would have to drink an awful lot to get enough of those minerals—and that you’re better off just getting them through your diet.
- Perhaps the healthiest thing people can do is just making sure they drink enough water every day to stay continually hydrated.
Read the whole NPR article on the healthiness of tap water here
