Millions around the world purchase bottled water as a primary form of hydration. Many of these consumers are under the false impression that the bottled water they are consuming is safer than the toxin-laden tap water that is coming out of their household faucets.

Unfortunately, bottled water is often just as bad, or even worse, than tap water in the United States and elsewhere. Research shows that this common misconception is the result of highly-effective mass advertising campaigns and marketing. Learn how to distinguish between safe and unsafe drinking water.

The typical cost of bottled water per gallon is around $3.79, while a typical cost of tap water is $0.002/gallon. Of course tap water is not a viable alternative to bottled water when it comes to improving one’s health, but why is bottled water so much more expensive when it is oftentimes just as contaminated? For a 1900% markup over tap water, it would be expected that the bottled water would be of much higher quality, and at least reasonably free of health-crushing contaminants. According to an extensive study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) , 9/10 of the best selling water brands fail to even identify the methods in which their products are filtered or purified. In fact, the companies fail to answer 3 important questions when it comes to the quality of their water: Where does the water come from; is it purified; and have any tests found any contaminants in the water?

Further research has attempted to answer these questions through independent studies, despite the lack of answers coming from the bottled water companies. Astoundingly, after reviewing the research, the Environmental Working Group recommends filtered tap water over any bottled water. The premium price tag on bottled water quite often means almost nothing. The study found that almost 50% of bottled water is municipal tap water. Other bottled water was found to be less regulated than tap water in terms of contaminants, and oftentimes more polluted with toxins than regular tap water. Another factor, aside from the shady lack of information coming from the industry regarding bottled water, is the presence of bisphenol A in plastic bottled water.

Bisphenol A is a hormone-disrupting chemical linked to a number of nasty health conditions including cancer, obesity, and the development of feminine traits in males. Canada has even labeled bisphenol A as a toxic chemical after two years of debate and research on the subject. Found in nearly 91% of all Canadians at the time of the ban, bisphenol A is present in the majority of water bottles. Experts may argue that the presence of bisphenol A alone would make drinking any bottled water an immediate threat to your health, leaving the debate in the dust. Since bottled water and tap water are both so destructive to one’s health, what is the best kind of water to drink?

Filtered water is the best option both economically and in terms of health. While the initial cost of a high quality water filter may exceed the price of a month’s supply of bottled water, you are saving both your body and your wallet in the long run. With high quality filters, only purchasing replacement cartridges will be necessary after the initial purchase, which are oftentimes fairly cheap. It is important to note that when filtering tap water, reverse osmosis is a preferred method in removing toxic substances such as fluoride and heavy metals. With a reverse osmosis filter, however, comes another problem. Reverse osmosis filters remove everything from the water, even natural minerals and nutrients. The water, once consumed, will be looking to leech back these minerals from your body to maintain its state. Adding certain minerals to the water, or even apple cider vinegar, is effective in restoring the natural nutrients back into the water. A mineral filter may also be an option in restoring water stability. No matter what the choice, stay away from bisphenol a-laced bottled water, and especially toxic tap water.