Need Help. Want clean water in safe container. Suggestions?

Question

So I just learned about #7 & #3 water bottles. And how they leach chemicals that are harmful. I am trying to get away from these type of things. What I want to know is what is safe drinking water then? We buy bottled water right now and I know the bottles they come in leach chemicals. We were thinking of an in-home water dispenser but those big jugs are #7. What about a water filter you attach to the tap or something like that? (i won't drink straight tap water). Any companies known for not using #7 or #3? Any Helpful suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanx in advance.

Answer 1

I use a Brita water filtration system. If you use city water it is regulated and they send a report to let you know what's in it.

I'm also sending a link in the source area to a great website with info on safe water bottles.

Answer 2

The tap water is safer than the bottled water, people just don't trust it for some reason.  Get a brita filter or something similar if you're that worried.

Bottled water is for lazy people with too much money.

Answer 3

As Andi said, tap water in the US is quite safe.  Actually most bottled water is from city or county supplies.

Filtering is good from the tap if you want to get the chlorine out.  I think that's a good idea anyway.  I used to fill a bottle of water and leave it sitting for a few hours and let the chlorine come out of solution before drinking it.

And don't worry too much about the plastics leaching.  That was an urban myth (search on snopes).  They say the really cheap plastic containers should be thrown away after a few uses, but the thicker ones are fine for as long as you like to use them.

Answer 4

Tap water is very strictly regulated, and by no means should you be seriously concerned about drinking tap water, at least if you live in the United States.  Personally, I use a Brita... just for some added comfort, and it obviously wouldn't hurt to use a minor filter like that.  Otherwise, there's nothing really wrong with the tap water and the in-home water dispensers are pretty unnecessary, although you had a valid concern.

Plastics in general are unsafe.  They all leech chemicals, some more than others.  #7 is getting a lot of bad rap lately, which is commonly used for Nalgene bottles, because it leeches a chemical called Bisphenol-A... which is linked to a frighteningly long list of health problems.  So, good for you for being concerned!  Nalgene also carries another type of water bottle, which is known to be a lot safer if you still require plastic.  I believe it's a polypropylene.  While the popular Nalgenes are kind of see-through and bright, s**y colors, these other ones are not see-through, and not as s**y.  But safer.  If you want to be completely safe, I recommend going with glass or stainless steel, neither of which leech at all.  You can reuse a glass bottle with a s***w-on cap, or what I use is a steel water bottle from a company called Kleen Kanteen.  They're great, the water is very clean tasting, and the bottles are surprisingly light-weight.  I know some other companies now are selling their own stainless steel water bottles, so you have some options.  That is my number one recommendation... good luck!  :)

*Edit: in response to "I'd Rather be waterboardin", the snopes article demystifies the fact that freezing plastics releases dioxins.  As snopes says, is not true.  It doesn't mean that plastics do not leech chemicals!  Polycarbonates (like Nalgene bottles) do leech Bisphenol A, as well as other toxins, and are especially dangerous when heated or when filled with warm liquids.