Bottled water vs tap water: which is safer?

Updated · Scores from third-party lab reports · How we score

Neither is automatically safer. US tap water is regulated by the EPA and tested far more often than bottled water, which the FDA regulates as a food. Good tap water through a quality filter usually beats the average plastic bottle. Top-tier bottled water in glass beats both on convenience and minerals.

How the rules differ

  • Public water systems must test frequently and publish annual Consumer Confidence Reports.
  • Bottled water brands must meet FDA standards but are not required to publish full lab results. Many do not.
  • The EPA has PFAS limits for tap water. The FDA has none for bottled water.

Check your tap water

Look up your city or zip code on our tap water quality rankings to see which contaminants your utility reported above health guidelines.

The middle path: filter your tap water

A certified filter removes most of what is wrong with tap water at a fraction of the cost of bottled water and with no plastic waste. Start with filter pitchers or go all the way with reverse osmosis.

If you buy bottled

Pick a lab-tested water in glass. Start with the healthiest bottled waters.

Frequently asked questions

Is bottled water safer than tap water?

Not necessarily. Tap water is tested more often and has stricter disclosure rules. Bottled water adds microplastics risk from plastic packaging. A filtered tap or a lab-tested glass-bottled water are the safest options.

Is it OK to drink tap water?

In most US cities, yes. Check your local water report for contaminants above health guidelines and use a certified filter if needed.

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