Everyone loves the convenience of grabbing a bottle of water and running out the door but did you know that the water you are drinking could be harmful to your health? Before you head out, learn more about that bottled water you used to love.

Tap Water?

A study conducted by the Natural Resources Defense Council over a four-year time span and more than 1,000 bottles of water showed that approximately ¼ of all bottled water is actually tap water in disguise. This tap water is sometimes treated for contaminants and sometimes not. Just over 20% of these tap water imposters were not safe for fragile populations such as people with chronic illnesses, the elderly and the very young.

Finding out where your water comes from is like digging for gold. Only two states; Massachusetts and New York, have tabulated lists of all the bottled water companies and the source of their water. You can start off by calling the company that makes your bottled water, but if it is from a tap water, it could be from multiple municipal sources and it's not always easy to determine which one.

Is the Plastic Harmful?

It can be, with chemicals like BPA or phthalates which can pass from the plastic bottle or cap and end up in your water. It's not a secret and the government is fully aware of the situation. Most know the dangers of BPA, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency says that long-term use of products such as water or other food products containing phthalates can cause liver and fertility problems by altering hormone and testosterone levels.

Clean Drinking Water Needed for Bathing Too!

With thousands of pores on your body, its no wonder that your body can absorb contaminants that are found in your tap water. Treated water is needed throughout your home, not just in the kitchen. Shower filters can be a good solution.

Taking a bath or showering means that you are simply bathing in harmful toxins. Have you ever taken a shower or bath and came out completely wiped out? Chances are that you have inhaled chlorine or fluorine gases. When showering or bathing in hot water these toxins are changed into a gas which can enter your body through your pores and lungs.

Plastic Water Bottle & the Environment

The dangers associated with water bottles is still relatively unknown, and this is evident as bottled water sales continue to be strong. Not to mention that the pollution associated with all the bottle waste is harming the environment at an alarming rate.

For example, from 1995 to 2005 there was an increase in the number of polyethylene terephthalate bottles that were recycled; 775 Million Pounds to 1,170 Million Pounds. However this does not even come close to matching the increase that we saw in sales. The bottles that ended up in the dump tripled during the same time period from 1,175 Million Pounds to 3,900 Million Pounds. Unfortunately, most states do not have a redemption fee for water bottles like soft drinks do.

Filter Your Water Instead

Filtered water is a great alternative to bottled water and addresses all the concerns listed above. A water filter system such as the Berkey will get rid of these toxins that can harm your health. Find a non-BPA/phthalate free container to store your filtered water in and take it to the gym, work, and anywhere you go.