What is healthier: tap water vs. bottled water vs. filtered water

Water plays a role in nearly everything we do, from cooking to hydrating to workouts. But when it comes to what we should be drinking, the answer isn’t always obvious. Some people rely on tap water, others prefer bottled water, and many are turning to home filtration for extra reassurance. Each option has its own pros and some have cons. Understanding these differences can help you choose the one that best supports healthy daily hydration. In this article, we break down the key differences so you can choose the option that fits your health and lifestyle best.

What is filtered drinking water?

Filtered drinking water is tap or source water that has been treated to remove impurities such as chlorine, dissolved solids, and microbes. Different systems do this in various ways, including activated carbon filtration, reverse osmosis (RO), and UV treatment.

For home use, filtration options range from simple carbon jugs to RO systems like AquaTru that use a patented 4-phase technology. Its combination of sediment filtration, activated carbon, a fine RO membrane, and VOC carbon polishing reduces a wide range of substances, including metals, pesticides, and other dissolved contaminants.

By reducing off-flavours, odours, and many common impurities, AquaTru provides cleaner, great-tasting filtered water.

Is filtered water good for you? The pros and cons

Filtered water is often beneficial because it reduces or removes substances that may still be present in tap water, such as metals, chlorine, and other impurities. Its effectiveness, however, depends on your system’s technology and how well you keep up with filter changes.

Pros

• Health benefits: Reduces chlorine, heavy metals, medicine and pesticide residues, and off-tastes, supporting skin, digestion, and overall well-being.
• Taste: Better taste and reduced odour often help you drink more water.
• Less plastic: Choosing filtered water at home reduces single-use bottle use.
• Lower long-term cost: After the initial setup, routine upkeep costs stay low.

Cons

• Upkeep: Filters need to be replaced on schedule, and performance relies on correct installation and regular maintenance.
• Scope varies by system: Simple jugs improve taste and reduce a few impurities, while RO systems like AquaTru target a much wider range. Choosing the wrong system may not provide the protection you need.

What is bottled water?

Bottled water is drinking water sealed for sale and available in several types. Spring and natural mineral water come from underground sources and are bottled directly at the source under strict standards. Purified water is treated through RO or distillation, while distilled water is boiled and condensed to remove minerals. It is convenient, but because of packaging and transport, bottled water has a higher carbon footprint.

Is bottled water filtered?

It depends on the type. Bottled water labelled ‘purified’ is filtered using processes such as RO or distillation for a consistent composition. Spring and mineral waters come from protected underground sources and undergo minimal treatment to preserve their natural balance. Under recognised bottled water standards, brands must disclose their source and treatment method, which is why some highlight mineral content while others emphasise purification.

Is bottled water good for you? The pros and cons

Bottled water is easy to access and consistently tastes the same, but its health benefits depend on what's inside the bottle and how it's stored. Research has found up to 240,000 tiny plastic particles per litre in some brands, and growing evidence suggests that microplastics may carry harmful bacteria. These findings have raised concerns about the long-term safety of bottled water.

Pros

• Convenience: Portable, widely available, and handy when travelling.
• Perception of purity: Purified varieties adhere to strict processing standards to ensure consistent taste.
• Taste: Consistent flavour helps some people drink more water.

Cons

• Health concerns: Packaging can release particles and chemicals like microplastics/ BPA’s, especially when heated or reused.
• Environmental impact: Single-use plastics and long transport routes create more waste and emissions.
• Cost: Highest per-litre price, which adds up for families.
• Quality variance: Mineral and sodium levels vary across brands and regions, affecting composition and taste.

What is tap water?

Tap water is the municipal supply delivered to homes and businesses after it has been treated to remove sediments, balance minerals, and disinfect in some countries using chlorine or chloramine. In some areas, fluoride is added for dental health. It is regulated, routinely tested, and generally safe, although taste and hardness can vary depending on local infrastructure. For regional details, see the water quality in the UK.

Is tap water filtered?

Before reaching homes, tap water passes through municipal treatment steps such as screening, sediment removal, filtration, and disinfection. These processes remove most impurities, but small amounts of metals, pesticides, or pharmaceutical traces can remain. Older plumbing may also affect quality, which is why some households use point-of-use filters for added reassurance.

Is tap water good for you? The pros and cons

Tap water is treated, regulated, and generally affordable. However, the quality of the water reaching your tap can vary depending on the water source, local infrastructure, and household plumbing.

Pros

• Affordable: Lowest day-to-day cost through your regular water bill.
• Regulated: Routinely tested to meet national safety standards.
• Accessible: Easy, reliable supply for drinking, cooking, and refilling bottles.

Cons

• Taste and odour: Residual chlorine or mineral hardness can affect flavour.
• Lead risk in older homes: Ageing pipes can introduce trace amounts of lead into the water. Public guidance notes that there is no safe level of lead in drinking water.
• Agricultural runoff: Heavy rain and seasonal changes can raise nitrate levels.
• Trace residues: Small amounts of disinfectant or other substances may remain after treatment. Some households use point-of-use filters for extra control.

Filtered water vs. tap water vs. bottled water: the key differences

Understanding the key differences makes it easier to choose what's right for your daily routine.

1. Health differences

• Filtered water: For everyday use, filtered water is usually the healthiest option. RO and carbon stages can reduce a wide range of impurities, including chlorine, heavy metals, and pesticide residues. Regular upkeep keeps performance steady.
• Bottled water: Quality varies by brand. Research has found plastic particles in some bottled waters, suggesting that composition is not always as simple as the label implies.
• Tap water: Generally safe after treatment and testing, although small amounts of chlorine and minerals may remain. Ageing pipes may also contribute trace metals.

2. Safety differences

• Filtered water: Often the safest option for daily use. Multi-stage systems can reduce microbes, chlorine, heavy metals, and pesticide residues. Safety depends on using certified filters and replacing them on schedule.
• Bottled water: Safe when purchased, but storing bottles in hot environments or reusing them can release chemicals into the water.
• Tap water: Treated and monitored, although safety can be influenced by ageing pipes or local infrastructure. Small amounts of disinfectant may remain.

3. Environmental differences

• Filtered water: The most eco-friendly choice at home. Using a certified system with reusable bottles cuts single-use plastic and packaging. Per-litre impact stays low when filters are replaced on time.
• Bottled water: High footprint due to plastic waste and extended supply chains.
• Tap water: Low overall footprint thanks to centralised treatment, although energy use and infrastructure still create some environmental impact.

4. Price differences

• Filtered water: Requires an initial investment in the unit and filters, but offers low ongoing costs. Over time, it's a budget-friendly choice for families who drink a lot of water.
• Bottled water: The highest price per litre due to packaging and transport costs. Expenses add up quickly.
• Tap water: The most cost-effective option, typically included in your bill.

5. Regulation differences

• Filtered water: Home systems are consumer products. Filters should meet recognised safety and performance standards. AquaTru is CE/UKCA certified and independently tested and verified to NSF standards for reduction performance.
• Bottled water: Treated as a food product with rules on composition, hygiene, and labelling under national food safety law.
• Tap water: Subject to statutory standards, routine sampling, and enforcement by the Drinking Water Inspectorate, which oversees public supplies and publishes compliance reports.

Tap water vs. filtered water vs. bottled water: An overview

Choosing well starts with the basics. Tap water is regulated and affordable, bottled water is convenient but plastic-heavy, and filtered water offers more control over taste and impurities. The table below compares health, safety, environmental impact, price, and oversight across all three.

What is the healthiest type of water to drink?

Filtered water is generally the healthiest choice for everyday use. It reduces chlorine, heavy metals, and other impurities, giving you cleaner-tasting water and steady hydration without the drawbacks of bottled water or untreated tap water.

Drink healthy filtered water with AquaTru

AquaTru's multi-stage RO with carbon polishing reduces chlorine, metals, and other contaminants for a consistently cleaner taste. It supports daily hydration, cuts plastic waste, and offers an affordable, long-term solution for healthy water at home.

If you want more control over taste and purity than tap water offers, AquaTru helps you enjoy cleaner, better-tasting water without relying on single-use bottles. Explore the range and choose a water filter that fits your home.

Frequently asked questions

Is bottled water better than tap water?

Bottled water is often seen as cleaner and more convenient than tap water, but it's not always the healthier choice. While it can be free from contaminants, it's also expensive and creates plastic waste. In the UK, tap water is highly regulated, affordable, and safe to drink, although some people prefer to filter it for taste and purity. Filtered tap water offers a cleaner option without the cost or plastic of bottled water.

Is filtered water better than tap water?

Filtered water is generally considered a cleaner choice than tap water because it removes impurities such as chlorine, heavy metals, and other trace contaminants that can persist after municipal treatment. UK tap water is safe to drink, but using a filtration system like AquaTru can improve taste and offer extra reassurance for households wanting greater purity.