The Truth About Bottled Water

I n the pursuit of pure water, Americans bought about 13 gallons of bottled water each last year eight times as much as we drank 20 years ago. And it doesn't come cheap-that's $4 billion a year. What are we getting for our money? Probably not as much as we think. Here, five common questions:

Is it better than tap? Not necessarily. The Federal government requires bottled water to be as good as tap water, but not any better-and bottled water actually is monitored less frequently. Bottlers, who are monitored by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), can go more than three years between inspections. In fact tap water is monitored more closely by the EPA, which requires yearly reporting and public notification of violations. However, bottled waters that are certified by N S F International or the International Bottled water Association are tested once a year.

Does it come from special wells or springs?

Not all of it. At least 25 percent of bottled waters come from the same place tap water comes from-municipal water facilities. Usually, this water is treated-filtered, purified, or distilled, with minerals added or subtracted to alter the taste. Under current law, once water is purified, the manufacturer doesn't have to tell you where it comes from. The balance of bottled waters do come from protected underground springs or wells and are naturally free of disease causing microorganisms and chemical contaminants. If that's the kind of water you want, look for words like spring, artesian, or mineral, water on their label; the FDA requires bottlers who use these terms to document that their water actually comes from the source they're claiming.

Is it completely pure?

There's no such thing! Most water contains tiny amounts of harmless substances including algae, fungi, and bacteria. In fact, bottled water actually may be more vulnerable to bacteria once it's open than tap water. Bottled water usually doesn't contain any chlorine, which is added to municipal water systems to stop the growth of bacteria. The longer an opened container of non chlorinated water sits out, the more likely it will develop bacterial growth. This is unlikely to be a health risk; these bacteria generally are not disease-causing. However, if you're buying gallon-size or larger containers of water, you're better off keeping them in your refrigerator.

Is it healthier?

Not according to the FDA, which has not approved any health claims on bottled water (see "Health Claims That Don't Deliver," below). In addition, most bottled water doesn't contain-and some home filters remove-fluoride, which has been shown to prevent cavities, "If you or your children drink only bottled water, discuss with your dentist whether to supplement with fluoride drops or use a fluoride mouth wash to be sure you are all ingesting enough," says Michael Easley, D.D.S., a spokesman for the American Dental Association and a dentist in private practice. "Just brushing with fluoride toothpaste may not be enough."

Does a higher price mean better quality?

Bottled water costs anywhere from 88 cents to more than$4 per gallon. If you pay a premium, you're buying the name, and perhaps a taste you prefer. But you're not buying anything that's necessarily more pure.

Health Claims That Don't Deliver

Bottled waters aren't supposed to make health claims, or use words like fortified or enhanced on ingredient lists. The FDA has the authority to take legal action against companies that violate such guidelines, but many slip through the cracks. GH Institute scientists found a variety of brands with labels that either make health claims or imply benefits.

1. Improved Hydration

Essentia MicroPure Water (99 cents for 20 ounces) claims that by removing some minerals and ad ding others, the company "creates a water that may be more readily absorbed by the human body... with significant health benefits to the consumer.'' Glaceau Smart Water (79 to 99 cents for 16.9 ounces) says it is "blended with natural electrolytes to improve energy and hydration."

'The truth? While "sports" drinks have successfully marketed themselves with Similar language? the FDA has not approved any health claims regarding electrolytes in beverages. "The amount of electrolytes in bottled water is small compared to what the average person gets in his or her diet," says Lawrence Armstrong, Ph.D., a professor of environmental and exercise physiology at the University of Connecticut Human Performance Laboratory at Storrs. "Plain water will hydrate most people just fine."

2, Nutritional Benefit

Miracle Sports Water($2.29 for 33.8 ounces) also claims it's a "far more effective fluid replacement beverage" and goes on to call itself a "dietary supplement." The company has added tiny amounts of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, but not nearly enough for its product to be considered a source of those nutrients.

3. Increased Oxygen

Life 02 Super Oxygenated Water ($1.19 to $1.39 for 20 ounces) claims that it is "infused with extraordinary levels of pure atmospheric oxygen." Oxy-Water($1.50 for 16 ounces) calls itself "The Air You Drink." But unless you've got gills, that extra oxygen isn't going to do anything to improve your health. ''There's no evidence that oxygenated water enhances performance or health,)' says Armstrong. Both companies say they are not making any health claims.