The Consumption of Bottled Water & Tap Water

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Azoulay, A., Garzon, P., & Eisenberg, M. J. (2001). Comparison of the mineral content of tap water and bottled waters. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 16(3), 168-175. doi:10.1111/j.1525-1497.2001.04189.x

        Despite of the rising concern on adverse health effect on drinking water, the consumption of tap water has decrease while consumption of bottled water has increase. This objective of study was to observe the difference of the mineral content of tap water and bottled water available in the North American cities. Only 3 minerals have been chosen in these studies which are Calcium (Ca²⁺), Magnesium (Mg²⁺) and Natrium (Na⁺). The minerals are very important in human body functioning to ensure fluid level inside and outside cells are balance. The imbalance of electrolytes in human body can cause muscle spasm and weakness.

       The interesting part of this study was the regulation of bottled water in America. United States Bottled Water Regulations approved the sale of distilled water (water that is deficient of all dissolved substances). In contrast, the European Economic Community Mineral Water Regulations prohibit the processing and treatment of any water bottled from a source. The same goes to Malaysia. Ministry of Health only allows the processing of mineral water as long as the mineral content before and after processing doesn’t differ too much. It was stated in Food Act 1983.

        As conclusion, mineral intake from drinking water depends on the individual and on the source and quantity of the water that is being consumed. The water quality in bottled and tap water in North City of America are varying in many aspects such as mineral content, aesthetical value and the sources.

Ferrier, C. (2001). Bottled water: Understanding a social phenomenon. AMBIO: A Journal of the Human Environment, 30(1), 118-119. doi: 10.1579/0044-7447-30.2.118

        In this interesting article, Ferrier classified bottled water into 3 major types which are natural mineral water, spring water and purified water. In contrast, International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) considers 4 other categories of bottled waters: artesian water/artesian well water; drinking water; sparkling water and well water. To differentiate between drinking water and mineral water, Ministry of Health (KKM) have regulate the mechanism for manufacturer of drinking water to put any color on the bottle cap except white for mineral water and white for drinking water.

       The social phenomenon in bottled water industry refers to its ability to reflect a way to life. People nowadays prefer to consume bottled water rather than tap water due to its taste. Tap water contains RC fortified by water supplier to prevent contamination of E. coli. As described by Teillet et. Al. in 2010, it is demonstrated that when presented with no chlorine, tap water is globally perceived in the same way as bottled water.

        In a nutshell, the awareness on sustaining water security among people globally still low. Bottled water should not consider as a sustainable alternative to tap water. Beside the quality of tap water should be enhanced and secured to deliver good quality of drinking water.

Teillet, E., Urbano, C., Cordelle, S., Schlich, P. (2010). Consumer perception and preference of bottled and tap water. Journal of Sensory Studies, 25, 463-480. doi:10.1111/j.1745-459X.2010.00280.x

        This study is about public perception especially tap water and bottled water consumer on the preferred tasted of particular water. It focuses on sensory perception of water and determines which tastes are associated with different water samples. The researcher and the team believe that taste play a main role on choosing water for drinking purposes. Total Dissolve Solid (TDS) is an important parameter associated with the taste of water. Prior to the research conduct, all the water must be dechlorinated in order to remove the residual chlorine (RC) in the water sample. RC is another parameter can influence the taste of drinking water.

        To find the relationship between sensory perceptions with the taste of water, they chose free-sorting task methodology to determine sensory perception of drinking water. Free-sorting is a useful tool to grasp the sensory space of water, but this methodology cannot be used as a routine procedure as the projection of new samples on the map needs a new evaluation of the samples already tasted. The gap between preferences and behavior has been emphasized and tend to prove the influence of other factors than those linked to sensory perception. Beyond physiological or habit considerations, information and education could be a way to potentially change consumer perception, preference and behavior.

Maqbool, A., & Ahmad, S. B. (2009). Quality comparison of tap water vs. bottled water in the industrial city of yanbu (saudi arabia). Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 159, 1-14. doi:10.1007/s10661-008-0608-8

        In contrast to the study done by Azoulay and friends in 2001, this study found that there is no significant difference in the quality of tap water and bottled water in the city of Yanbu, Saudi Arabia.  Maqbool and friends have conducted a test not focusing on Ca2+, Mg2+ and Na+ only but also physical and others chemical contents. Most of the bottled water available in Yanbu have same quality of tap water except Bottled water brand B-2.

        They encourage people of Yanbu to use tap water instead of bottled water. The reduction of bottled water consumption can help to reduce the production of plastic bottled. These practices can greatly save the environment. Ironically, many people drink bottled water because they are afraid of tap water but then the bottle they discard will end up in dumping site resulting in more polluted groundwater. Groundwater is the main water source in Saudi of Arabia.

Doria. M. F. (2006). Bottled water versus tap water: Understanding consumers’ preferences. Journal of Water and Health, 04.2, 271. doi:10.2166/wh.2006.008

        This paper discusses some of the reasons why people decide for an option that is often more expensive and less comfortable than tap water. The selling price of 1.5L mineral water Cactus is RM0.90, Mesra RM1.00, TopValu RM0.88 and Spritzer RM2.50. Compare to 1.5L usage of tap water (Lembaga Air Perak) is only cost RM 0.30/m³.

        There are 2 main factors influence the people choices. Dissatisfaction with tap water organoleptics (especially taste) and health/risk concerns. Trust in tap water companies also seems to influence public behaviour. However, many other factors are involved, including demographic variables and the perceived quality of the water source. An improved knowledge of the factors that contribute to the use of drinking water alternatives can contribute to a better understanding of the consumer’s concerns and behaviours.

        In my opinion, the price, taste, mineral content and sensory perception are the major factors in choosing drinking water regardless of the demographic of the consumer. For the time being in Malaysia, people are preferred to consume bottled water because of the positive perception on bottled water (personal observation). This scenario maybe represents the whole world as shown by Maqbool et. Al., Teillet et. Al., Ferrier et. Al., and Azoulay et. Al. The water suppliers have a lot work to do to build up their image as a public water purveyor as shown by Royal Commision in Saudi Arabia. They have replaced the whole drinking water network, which was made of asbestos-cemented pipes with glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) pipes, to avoid any asbestos contaminations. The financial strength and the support from the government and NGO will help to increase the quality of tap water in Malaysia. The choice is yours.