Transcript Cornell Against Bottled Water

Cornell Against Bottled Water
By Edgewood Warner
Quick Facts
Bottled water is the second most saleable
beverage in the United States (carbonated
soft drinks are #1).
6.8 billion gallons, $9.2 billion revenue in
2004; 8.8 billion gallons, $11.7 billion in
2007; on the rise.
Dasani, Nestle, Aquafina most frequently
purchased brands in U.S.
What is the cause of this explosion?
• Water as the hallmark of health; a
essential part of a diet; the stepping stone
to a perfect body, etc.
• Marketers reinforce this idea with
illustrations of rivers, springs, deer, etc
(check your favorite water bottle!) and are
successful.
And…
We know that water is good for
maintaining health…
But...
Bottled water, in many cases, is not
necessarily cleaner than regular tap
water and may actually put consumers
at risk.
How is this so?
• Bottled water is subjected to less rigorous and
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less frequent testing than tap water.
There are certain standards for evaluating
contamination of tap water that are not required
for bottled water (presence of bacteria,
dissolved substances such as arsenic, etc).
There is no strict enforcement of disinfection of
bottled water, contrary to tap water.
Bottled Water vs. Tap Water
• Bottled water is tested for bacteria
• Tap water is tested several hundred
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once a week.
Bacteria such as E. Coli is allowed to
present in bottled water.
Bottled water is not required to be
filtered or disinfected.
Testing for certain viruses is not
required.
May or may not be tested in certified
labs.
Operators need not be trained and
certified.
Results not required to be reported to
State or Feds.
Consumers need not know about
contamination.
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times a month.
Bacteria must NOT be present in tap
water.
Pathogens must be eliminated and
water source safeguarded, filtered,
and disinfected at all times.
Tap water MUST be tested for certain
viruses that may pose serious risks for
the general public.
Must be tested in certified labs.
Operators must be trained and
certified.
Results must be reported to State,
Feds.
Consumers must be informed about
contamination.
In Conclusion…
Buy a filter and drink tap water! It is
safer, cheaper, and more
environmentally safer than bottled
water.