Is It Better to Drink Tap Water or Bottled Water? | UK Guide

We are fortunate in the United Kingdom to be able to have some of the safest drinking water worldwide. Nevertheless, households consider: is it better to have bottled or tap water? This is an important consideration in terms of health, cost, taste, and the environment.

This guide will compare tap water and bottled water in the UK, present their advantages and disadvantages and explain how filtering their tap water could be the best option at home.

Despite the rigid UK water standards, bottled water has maintained popularity. The following are some of the reasons why individuals prefer it:

• Perceived purity and safety – Many believe bottled water is purer and safer.
• Taste preference – Some bottled waters are from natural springs and may have a distinctive mineral taste.
• Convenience – Convenient to carry and is available almost anywhere.
• Marketing influence – Brands tend to market bottled water as a premium, healthier choice.

Even though bottled water is so convenient, the advantages may be less apparent than they seem.

The tap water in the UK is among the best regulated in the world. The suppliers must comply with stringent quality standards established by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) and Ofwat .

High safety standards – Regular testing ensures compliance with strict regulations.

Affordable – The bottled and tap water are affordable.

Eco-friendly – No transport emissions or plastic waste.

Readily available – Every home has it.

However, tap water will occasionally leave a chlorine aftertaste or hints of impurities like nitrates, lead (from old pipes), or microplastics. The reason why home water filters are in demand by households is to add a level of insurance and a better drinking experience.

Related article: Which Filter Removes the Most Toxic Materials?

The UK tap water is checked on a daily basis and over 1 million checks are performed annually. Bottled water is considered to be a food product and is therefore less tested than tap water. In fact, it is often safer than bottled water if the pipes in your home are modern and well maintained.

Average cost of tap water: less than £1 each year per capita to meet everyday drinking needs. Typical bottled water spend: £400 to £600 each year per capita, depending on usage. The difference is significant, making tap water much less expensive.

Bottled water creates plastic trash that often ends up in dump sites or oceans. Production of bottled water is energy- and transport-intensive and therefore produces carbon. Tap water has a low environmental impact.

Others prefer bottled mineral water because it contains natural minerals. Others experience tastes of chlorine or metal in their tap water, mostly in traditional UK buildings. The addition of a tap filter will enhance the taste considerably.

Click here to learn more about Why Does Filtered Water Taste Different? | Reasons Explained .

One of the pervasive misconceptions is that bottled water is always safe. Reality is:

• Bottled water may contain microplastics and contaminants leached from plastic packaging.
• Tap water is sampled more frequently and to tighter safety standards in the UK.
• For most families, filtered tap water is just as safe – or even safer – as bottled water.

For households concerned with how their tap water might taste or with trace impurities, a filter is an ideal compromise choice between bottled and tap water.

• Removes chlorine, lead, pesticides, and microplastics.
• Adds taste and freshness to drinking water.
• Decreases bottled water consumption and saves money while reducing the usage of plastics.

Waterdrop has become a trusted name in the UK in reverse osmosis (RO) and carbon filter systems. Best-sellers are:

Waterdrop X Series RO System – 99% impurities removed, space-saving design, and provides clean water instantly.

Waterdrop K6 RO System – Compact and energy-saving, ideal for small UK kitchen spaces. Perfect instant water for making hot tea.

Waterdrop Countertop RO Filter A2 – Plug-and-play system for renters and those who require filtered water but no installation.

With a filter in their home, households in the UK can enjoy the sustainability and affordability of tap water and the freshness and taste of bottled water.

No. Tap water in the UK is highly regulated and sometimes safer than bottled water, which is less-tested. Bottled water is also likely to contain microplastics from packaging.

Tap water may have a metallic or chlorinated taste from the community treatment and plumbing systems. Bottled water is often from natural springs whose minerals alter the flavor.

Yes. Filtered tap water removes chlorine, heavy metals and microplastics and is hence healthier, cheaper and environmentally friendlier compared to bottled water.

Yes. Bottled drinking water may become tasting like plastic and could leach chemicals if left to sit too long, particularly at warm or sunny temperatures.

The easiest way to improve flavor is to install a water filter such as a Waterdrop system to remove chlorine and other impurities.

For most people, the answer is tap water. It’s affordable, safe, eco-friendly and always at our fingertips. But in families that object to the taste or are worried about specific contaminants, filtered tap water is the best of both worlds.

By using advanced filters like Waterdrop RO systems, UK households can enjoy pure, great-tasting water without the cost and waste of bottled water. Filtered tap water is the ideal long-term option in terms of convenience, sustainability, and health consciousness of households in the UK.