Study Shows Nearly 64% of Bottled Water in America is Just Tap Water: Here Are the Brands

For years, many Americans have assumed that bottled water is cleaner, safer, or superior in taste compared to tap water. However, a shocking study reveals that nearly 64% of bottled water in the United States is nothing more than repackaged tap water—sometimes filtered, sometimes not. This revelation has sparked debate over the bottled water industry’s transparency and whether consumers are being misled into paying for a product they could get almost for free.

What the Study Found

Recent research into the bottled water industry examined the sources and purification processes of various brands. The results? Almost two-thirds of bottled water brands source their water directly from municipal taps rather than pristine mountain springs or underground aquifers, as their marketing often implies.

While some brands do filter and purify tap water, others simply bottle it straight from the municipal supply with minimal processing. The study also highlighted that many of these brands charge significantly more for their bottled tap water compared to what consumers would pay directly from their faucets.

Which Bottled Water Brands Use Tap Water?

Here are some of the biggest names identified in the study that source their water from municipal supplies:

1. Aquafina – Owned by PepsiCo, Aquafina admits that its water is sourced from public water supplies before undergoing a purification process.
2. Dasani – Coca-Cola’s bottled water brand, Dasani, also comes from municipal water sources and undergoes filtration before bottling.
3. Pure Life (Nestlé) – While some of Nestlé’s brands come from natural springs, much of Pure Life water is taken from tap water sources and filtered.
4. Glacéau Smartwater – Marketed as vapor-distilled water with added electrolytes, Smartwater is actually sourced from municipal taps before being purified.
5. Essentia – This alkaline water brand sources from municipal water supplies before using ionization and purification processes.
6. LifeWTR – Another PepsiCo brand, LifeWTR, starts as tap water before being purified and enhanced with minerals.

It’s important to note that some brands openly disclose their sources, while others have been criticized for vague labeling and misleading marketing.

How Bottled Tap Water Is Processed

While some companies simply bottle municipal tap water, others go through specific purification methods before selling it as premium bottled water. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how tap water is often transformed into bottled water:

Step 1: Sourcing the Water

• Companies obtain water directly from local municipal water supplies (essentially the same tap water found in homes).
• This water is often subjected to the same regulations and testing as household drinking water before it even reaches the bottling facility.

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