Bottled water

Bottled water is water that has been packaged in plastic or glass bottles. Bottled water may be carbonated or not. Sizes range from small single serving bottles to large carboys for water coolers.

History

The first instances of bottled water were in the United Kingdom with the first water bottling at the Holy Well in 1622. The demand for bottled water was fueled in large part by the resurgence in spa-going and water therapy among Europeans and American colonists in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Types of bottled water

There are three different types of bottled water: spring water, mineral water, and purified water. Spring water is water that is sourced from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface. Mineral water is water from a mineral spring that contains various minerals, such as salts and sulfur compounds. Purified water is water that has been mechanically filtered or processed to remove impurities.

Health and safety

While bottled water is often seen as a healthier alternative to tap water, there is debate over whether this is actually the case. Some studies have found that bottled water can contain harmful chemicals and bacteria. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates bottled water as a food product, and therefore it must meet strict safety and quality standards.

Environmental impact

The production and disposal of bottled water has significant environmental impacts. The manufacturing process for the bottles uses large amounts of energy and emits harmful pollutants. In addition, many bottles end up in landfills or the ocean, contributing to pollution and harming wildlife.

See also

• Water purification
• Drinking water
• Plastic pollution