Hong Tran, Grade 8
Mrs. Bastug, Teacher / Goddard Scholars at Sullivan Middle School, Worcester
"Tap Water: Safe, Good for the Environment... and Cheaper"
For many years there has been a discussion about which type of water is better, bottled or tap? Some people have come to the conclusion that bottled water is more healthy, but is it really?
According to University of Geneva researcher Catherine Ferrier, the only difference between some bottled and tap water is one is delivered in bottles and the other through pipes.
In my opinion, tap water is better than bottled water. Its regulations are tougher, it does not harm the environment, and it's cheaper.
Although bottled water may seem safer its regulations are not as strict as tap water. Bottled water has fewer requirements than tap water does. For example, tap water has to be treated or disinfected before being distributed. There are no federal treatment or disinfection requirements for bottled water.
Did you know that tap water must have their water examined by certified labs but such requirements do not apply to bottlers?
The results from these labs must be sent to state or federal officials. Bottled water is not required to have their water examined so it is not required for them to send any results to officials.
Those who run water systems must be certified but those who run bottled water plants do not have to be certified. The most astonishing of fact of all: bottled water that has violated regulations may still be sold. As you can see, the strict regulations of tap water make it safer for drinking.
Every year about 1.5 tons of plastic are used to makes bottles for water. The manufacturing and disposal of these bottles release toxic chemicals into water, air, and other parts of the environment. Another way bottled water can cause harm to our environment is its transportation. Tap water travels through an "energy efficient infrastructure" while bottled water must travel many miles to its destination. Its transportation bums great amounts of fossil fuel, which releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the air. Carbon dioxide is a major contributor to global warming.
Overall, tap water does not harm our environment while bottled water releases carbon dioxide, toxic chemicals, and pollutants into our air, water, and other parts of our environment.
The last reason why tap water is better than bottled water is simply because its less expensive. Bottled water is around $2.50 a liter. At that price it is 10,000 times more expensive than tap water. American consumers usually spend 11 billion dollars a year on bottled water.
Why spend that much when you can drink tap water? Tap water can cost you a few pennies a day while bottled water costs 80 cents to 4 dollars per gallon. Save your money and drink tap water instead of spending money on bottled water that could go to a more important cause.
In conclusion, tap water is safer according to the comparison between tap water and bottled water's regulations. Tap water is also less harmful to the earth while bottled water is one of many contributors to air pollution and global warming. Without a doubt, by not buying bottled water and by drinking tap water, you will save a lump sum of money.
As you can see, in all the examples that I showed you, tap water was the best choice. The next time you go shopping, you shouldn't be in the bottled water section.
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