We all know that staying hydrated is essential. Reaching that all-important 2-litre recommendation is made somewhat easier with the availability of bottled water when out and about. From supermarkets to corner shops and cafes, most establishments sell bottles of water.
If you want to have more awareness of exactly what you’re drinking, it’s important to understand what bottled water contains. Let’s take a look at whether pre-packaged bottled water offers the same benefits as filtered water and why it might be a good idea to switch to a filtered water bottle.
What’s in bottled water?
The type of bottled water you buy in a plastic bottle (although some retailers offer glass) is usually spring or mineral water. Depending on the source and how it’s processed, the drink’s composition may vary.
Spring water comes from underground and is safe to drink even at the source. Mineral water also comes from a spring, but it naturally contains a range of dissolved minerals, including potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium.
Unfortunately, studies have shown that bottled water can sometimes be contaminated by perfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS. These are toxic chemicals that don’t naturally break down. Interestingly, a study by the University of Birmingham showed that the concentration of PFAS was the same in plastic and glass bottled water.
Water in plastic bottles can, however, end up containing microplastics — that’s why it’s important to not reuse single-use plastic bottles. If you want to have a reusable bottle, opt for one that’s BPA-free. Want to learn more about the effects of microplastics and how to avoid them? Take a look at our guide.
Is bottled water filtered?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here, as it depends on the water provider. Some bottled water is purified to remove chemicals, minerals, and other components. However, most water collected from natural springs is bottled without filtering or purifying.
What’s in filtered water?
We can see that filtered water and pre-packaged bottled water are different. But if filtered water doesn’t contain the same minerals as spring water, what does it contain?
To answer this, we first need to look at what is removed from filtered water.
As water (be it from a tap or another source) is passed through filters, the following elements get removed:
- Sediment and dust
- Parasites
- Chlorine
- Heavy metals, including copper, lead, and mercury traces
- Colloids
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Excess minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can make water hard
- Any unpleasant tastes or odours
A filtered water bottle from Pure Clear Filters uses impressive electroadsorptive technology to also remove viruses and trace pharmaceuticals — something that most other UF filtration systems can’t.
What’s left is deliciously pure water that retains essential nutrients and beneficial minerals without any nasties.
Read more: What is filtered water and why is it good for you?
Why should I use filtered water instead of bottled water?
Whether on the go or to replace drinking tap water at home, purchasing single-use bottled water soon adds up. Opting for a reusable filtered water bottle offers a cost-effective alternative. While you’ll need to replace the filters, the price is far lower in the long run.
It also offers a convenient way to enjoy pure hydration. There’s no need to pop to the shop if you run out of bottled water — simply fill up your filtered water bottle, and you’re good to go!
But that’s not all. Here are some other compelling reasons to make the switch from pre-packaged bottled water to a reusable bottle.
Filtered water: Fewer contaminants, healthier hydration
As we’ve explored, filtered water lets you enjoy all the best parts of refreshing hydration without any unpleasant particles or components. You get pure, contaminant-free water to keep you refreshed wherever you are — whether that’s at your desk, on a bike ride, or at the gym.
The environmental impact of bottled water vs. filtered water
At Pure Clear Filters, we believe that healthy hydration shouldn’t cost the earth. Could investing in a filtered water bottle lower your environmental impact?
How using a water filter reduces plastic waste
With 80% of plastic water bottles ending up in landfill sites around the world, these single-use receptacles are contributing to devastating pollution.
Aside from landfill waste, single-use plastic bottles are also causing untold damage to marine life and ecosystems. 12 million tons of plastic enter the ocean each year, harming wildlife, damaging habitats, and leaching harmful chemicals into the water.
If more of us opt for a reusable bottle with a filter, we can significantly cut the number of plastic bottles being thrown in the bin or into waterways.
How water filtration helps reduce your carbon footprint
The environmental issues caused by single-use plastic bottles aren’t limited to the product’s end-of-life, either. It takes a huge amount of energy to produce a plastic bottle from scratch. Did you know that the average UK resident could save 94.4 kilograms (kg) of carbon dioxide (CO2) each year by switching to a reusable bottle?
Make the switch to a filtered water bottle
Filtered water bottles from Pure Clear Filters offer an innovative solution to fresh hydration without harmful chemicals or contaminants. They also provide a cleaner, greener way to enjoy revitalising water — every filter we sell is equivalent to saving 2400 plastic water bottles per year. We even have a filter recycling scheme!
With a design for every activity, our reliable and affordable range is here to help you feel hydrated and energised without relying on single-use plastic.
Explore our products and order your filtered water bottle today.
