Asheville Reporter

Residents in Asheville have a clear choice when it comes to deciding between bottled water and tap water. According to Tanya Rose, Chris Clarke, and Dan Phairas, the answer is easy.

Asheville's municipal water supply originates from pure mountain streams and springs on protected land, almost meeting EPA standards in its natural state. This quality source makes drinking Asheville's tap water a healthier choice with better health outcomes and less environmental impact compared to bottled water.

The differences in testing standards between tap and bottled water are significant. Municipal tap water is regulated by the EPA and is required to undergo continuous monitoring, public notification of health hazards, and annual reporting. On the other hand, bottled water, regulated by the FDA, lacks the same stringent testing requirements and may not provide the same level of safety as tap water.

Furthermore, tap water is required to contain a residual level of disinfectant to prevent bacterial growth, unlike bottled water which can potentially harbor unhealthy bacteria. Additionally, plastic bottles used for bottled water consumption can absorb harmful chemicals that pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations like infants and children.

From an environmental standpoint, bottled water has a significant negative impact due to the production of plastic bottles and the low recycling rates. Opting for tap water over bottled water not only reduces environmental stress but also aligns with Asheville's sustainability goals, such as waste reduction.

The source of Asheville's drinking water is another point of pride for the city, with over 20,000 acres of protected forested mountains surrounding the primary watersheds. The natural purity of the water as it flows into the treatment plants makes Asheville's drinking water some of the finest available anywhere.

Ultimately, the choice between bottled water and tap water in Asheville is clear. As stated by Tanya Rose, Chris Clarke, and Dan Phairas, tap water in Asheville is safer, cheaper, cleaner, more environmentally sustainable, and even tastes better than bottled water. Residents are encouraged to make the easy and wise choice of opting for tap water over bottled water to support their health, the environment, and the long-term sustainability of their community.