The Food and Drug Administration classifies bottled water into seven different categories. Of these seven, we will concern ourselves with drinking water.
We know that we should drink between 6-8 glasses of water each day to promote good health. It is believed that some people are substituting beverages in place of water. A possible problem with this substitution might lead to dehydration by beverages that rob the body of water. These dehydrating substances are caffeine or alcohol-containing beverages. They work as diuretics causing the body to lose water by increased urination.
Before we get into the controversy of bottled water vs. tap water, let us look a chart from the web site:
http://www.nrdc.org/water/drinking/nbw.asp that show some differences with rule
(table available in print form)
Bottled water must meet all applicable federal and state standards, be sealed in a sanitary container and is sold for human consumption. This water cannot contain sweetners or chemical additives and must be calorie and sugar free.
Bottled water is a fast growing industry. Why do people opt for bottled water over tap water? If we participate in various outdoor or indoor activities, it is easier to hydrate ourselves by carrying a bottle of water than to search for a drinking fountain.
As we see from the rules, (tap water vs. bottled water) tap water may be the safer drinking source. If one looks at the frequency for testing, public water suppliers monitor their product more frequently than the bottled water sector. However, bottled water tends to be more consistent in taste and quality. Another reason may be the chemicals used in tap water. Over long periods of time chlorine may have adverse effects on some people.
As most bottled water is placed in plastic containers, we should investigate the problem of plastic disposal, the SEPUP units Plastics in Our Lives might be appropriate to do at this time.
If he/she decides to develop a Science Fair Project on bottled water, they should investigate the pros and cons and the history of this industry.
