Tap Water vs. Bottled Water: The Real Impact

Why Do We Keep Buying Bottled Water?

Every day we open our home faucet dozens of times: to brush our teeth, wash our hands, shower, clean... However, the moment we feel thirsty, we reach for a plastic bottle or jug. Why is that water that has accompanied us in all previous moments not suitable to quench our thirst?

Many will say tap water cannot be drunk, others that it is not healthy, the bolder ones may have tried it and say it tastes bad... However, tap water is drinkable in 99.5% of Spanish territory, as stated in EU Directive 98/83/EC.

The Numbers That Matter

The European Union urges citizens to consume tap water, a much more sustainable and cheap option:

1 liter of bottled water: average €0.21
1 liter of tap water: €0.002
5 liters of tap water cost 1 cent of euro

For a person drinking about two liters daily, the annual expense is €150 for bottled water versus €1.70 for tap.

What Does Tap Water Contain?

Water contains many essential minerals for life that dissolve through the interaction between water and soil:

Aluminum: Present from clays, it is essential for the human body in adequate amounts.
Chlorides: Derive from the dissociation of chlorine salts like sodium chloride. They can give a salty taste when combined with sodium ions.
Magnesium: Fundamental for the nervous system, muscles, and cells.
Sulfates: Determine water hardness along with calcium and magnesium.
Sodium: Essential for the nervous system. More present in desalinated water.
Potassium: Plays an important role in human fluid systems.

And in the Canary Islands?

On the islands, where much of the water comes from desalination, it is especially important to know the mineral levels. Desalinated water meets all potability standards and is perfectly safe for consumption.