Bottled Water

In the wake of Typhoon “Sendong,” which devastated Northern Mindanao in the Philippine Islands, I witnessed a remarkable sight. Amidst the destruction, a mobile water purification truck stood by the Cagayan River, transforming murky floodwaters into clean, drinkable water. This process, intriguingly similar to municipal tap water treatment, offered a glimmer of hope and resilience.

The reliance on bottled water, however, is an unsustainable practice for numerous reasons. Financially, it’s a poor choice; tap water is significantly more cost-effective. Environmentally, the production and transportation of bottled water consume substantial fossil fuels. Health-wise, it offers no advantages over tap water.

Considering even the expense of filters, tap water remains the more economical option. Bottled water can cost anywhere from $1 to $3 per bottle.

For those with unpalatable well water or households with infants requiring safe drinking water, purchasing distilled or ‘nursery’ water in bulk from discount stores is a wise alternative. These typically range from 79 to 99 cents per gallon—far more reasonable than ‘designer’ waters.

Moreover, these jugs have a life beyond their initial use; they can be repurposed for storing beverages like homemade iced tea or as containers for various household items once their tops are removed.

In summary, while mobile purification units like the one observed post-typhoon demonstrate valuable emergency resources, they also highlight the broader issue: our everyday choices around water consumption have significant financial and environmental impacts. By opting for tap or bulk-purchased water over single-use bottles, we can make choices that are better for our wallets, our health, and our planet.