Story perspectives

Study Reveals Bottled Water Risks: Tap is Safer

1/20/2026

29 6

Summary

Story summary

A study tested 10 popular bottled-water brands and found all contained disinfection byproducts, including unregulated DBPs, though at lower levels than tap water.
Notably, grocery-store brands showed significantly higher toxicity than other bottled waters.
Sherri Mason from Gannon University says tap water is safer because it is tested more frequently.
Researcher Susan Richardson advises against switching to bottled water unless contamination is known, citing environmental concerns and higher costs.

1 of 1

Story summary

A study tested 10 popular bottled-water brands and found all contained disinfection byproducts, including unregulated DBPs, though at lower levels than tap water.
Notably, grocery-store brands showed significantly higher toxicity than other bottled waters.
Sherri Mason from Gannon University says tap water is safer because it is tested more frequently.
Researcher Susan Richardson advises against switching to bottled water unless contamination is known, citing environmental concerns and higher costs.