(HealthDay News) -- Before you plunk down $1.50 for 8 ounces of bottled water, remember this: it's not necessarily safer than your tap water, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The EPA sets standards for tap water provided by public water systems; the U.S. Food and Drug Administration sets bottled water standards based on EPA's tap water standards. Bottled water and tap water are safe to drink if they meet these standards, although people with severely compromised immune systems and children may have special needs.
Some bottled water is treated more than tap water, while some is treated less or not treated at all. Bottled water is valuable in emergency situations, and high-quality bottled water may be a desirable option for people with weakened immune systems.
Consumers who choose to buy bottled water should read its label carefully to understand what they are buying, whether it has a better taste or a certain method of treatment.
