For most of us, spending ₹20 on a litre of bottled water is a common practice, especially when we’re on the go. Whether it’s during travel, at restaurants, or even at home, bottled water seems like the safest and most convenient option. But is it really the healthiest choice? Recent concerns have raised questions about the quality of packaged drinking water, especially after the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) categorized it as a ‘high-risk food’.
Let’s dive deep into the bottled water industry, the health risks associated with it, and whether it’s truly a better option than regular tap or filtered water.
What is Bottled Water and How is it Regulated?
Bottled water refers to commercially packaged water that is processed, purified, and sold in plastic or glass containers. It is often marketed as pure and free from contaminants, making it a preferred choice for many.
In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and FSSAI regulate bottled water to ensure it meets safety standards. However, despite strict regulations, several reports have found bottled water contaminated with microplastics, harmful bacteria, and excessive minerals that could impact health.
Types of Bottled Water
- Packaged Drinking Water – Processed water from various sources (groundwater, municipal supply) that undergoes filtration and UV treatment.
- Mineral Water – Comes from natural sources and contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
- Spring Water – Collected from natural springs and may contain beneficial minerals.
- Purified Water – Undergoes processes like reverse osmosis (RO) or distillation to remove impurities.
Why Has FSSAI Declared Packaged Water a ‘High-Risk Food’?
FSSAI classifies packaged drinking water as a high-risk food product due to multiple safety concerns. Some key reasons include:
- Presence of Microplastics – Studies have found that bottled water contains tiny plastic particles that can accumulate in the body and pose long-term health risks.
- Chemical Leaching from Plastic Bottles – Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, present in plastic bottles, can leach into the water and cause hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues, and even cancer.
- Bacterial Contamination – Improper storage and handling can lead to bacterial growth, increasing the risk of infections.
- Misleading Purity Claims – Some brands sell treated tap water as mineral water, misleading consumers into believing they are getting natural, purified water.
- Unsafe Levels of Minerals – Some bottled water brands have excessive levels of sodium, fluoride, or heavy metals, which may contribute to health problems over time.
Health Risks of Drinking Bottled Water
Although bottled water is often marketed as “pure” and “safe,” frequent consumption may expose individuals to several health risks:
1. Exposure to Microplastics
A study by the State University of New York found that 93% of bottled water brands contained microplastics. These plastic particles can disrupt hormone function, cause inflammation, and affect brain and organ health.
2. Hormonal Disruptions from Plastic Leachates
Plastic bottles, especially those exposed to heat, can release BPA, a chemical linked to hormonal imbalances, infertility, and metabolic disorders.
3. Increased Risk of Kidney Stones
Certain bottled water brands contain high amounts of calcium and magnesium, which can contribute to kidney stone formation if consumed regularly.
4. Potential Heavy Metal Toxicity
Low-quality bottled water brands have been found to contain arsenic, lead, and mercury, which can damage the liver, kidneys, and nervous system.
5. Bacterial and Fungal Infections
If bottled water is stored for too long or exposed to sunlight, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, leading to gastrointestinal infections.
Is Bottled Water Safer Than Tap Water?
Contrary to popular belief, tap water in many Indian cities is safer than bottled water when filtered properly.
Advantages of Tap Water Over Bottled Water
✅ Less exposure to plastic contaminants
✅ More eco-friendly and sustainable
✅ Regulated and frequently tested for safety
✅ Significantly cheaper
Disadvantages of Bottled Water
❌ Expensive compared to tap or filtered water
❌ Potential chemical contamination from plastic bottles
❌ Environmental pollution due to plastic waste
❌ Often just treated tap water in disguise
Environmental Impact of Bottled Water
Apart from health risks, bottled water contributes massively to plastic pollution.
🔹 India generates over 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, and bottled water accounts for a significant portion of this waste.
🔹 Only 10% of plastic bottles are recycled, while the rest end up in landfills or oceans, harming marine life.
🔹 Production of bottled water requires 3 times the water it actually provides, leading to unnecessary water wastage.
Choosing reusable bottles and home water filtration systems can significantly reduce plastic waste and environmental damage.
Safer Alternatives to Bottled Water
Instead of relying on bottled water, consider these healthier and eco-friendly alternatives:
✔️ RO + UV Filtration Systems – Home water purifiers remove contaminants without plastic exposure.
✔️ Copper Vessels – Storing water in copper vessels naturally purifies it and adds essential minerals.
✔️ Clay Pots (Matka Water) – Traditional clay pots naturally cool and purify water, making it a healthier choice.
✔️ Glass or Stainless Steel Bottles – Carrying your own filtered water in glass or stainless steel bottles avoids plastic contamination.
Conclusion: Is Bottled Water a Healthy Choice?
While bottled water may seem like a convenient and safe option, it comes with several health, environmental, and financial drawbacks. The risk of plastic contamination, misleading purity claims, and bacterial growth make it an unreliable long-term solution.
Key Takeaways:
✔️ Bottled water often contains microplastics and harmful chemicals.
✔️ FSSAI classifies packaged water as a high-risk food due to contamination risks.
✔️ Tap or filtered water, when purified correctly, is a safer and more sustainable choice.
✔️ Reusable bottles and traditional storage methods like copper vessels and clay pots are healthier alternatives.
Rather than spending ₹20 on a plastic bottle that could harm both your health and the environment, investing in a good filtration system and eco-friendly water storage is the smarter choice.
