Many people turn to bottled water believing it’s safer — but that’s not always the case.

Key points about bottled water:

• Bottled water is regulated by the FDA, not the EPA (standards can differ slightly from municipal water).
• Some bottled waters are simply tap water that’s been filtered.
• Microplastics have been found in many bottled water brands.
• Long-term reliance on bottled water is expensive and creates plastic waste.

Important takeaway:

Bottled water can be useful in emergencies or while traveling, but for everyday use, a high-quality home filtration system is more reliable, economical, and environmentally friendly.