A recent survey reveals that about 64% of bottled water in the U.S. comes from municipal sources—the same tap water available in homes. Some brands barely purify it, occasionally exceeding contamination limits, raising concerns about transparency and value.

Brands like Walmart’s Sam’s Choice and Giant Food’s Acadia have been criticized for high contamination levels, sometimes surpassing California’s safety standards. In contrast, Gerber Pure, Nestlé Pure Life, and Penta Ultra-Purified Water have earned praise for disclosing water sources and purification methods.

Although bottled water may appear safer due to its packaging and marketing, tap water in the U.S. is often safer and more strictly regulated.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces rigorous standards for public water systems, while studies have found pollutants like arsenic and microplastics in some bottled water.