5 Common Bottled Water Scams and How to Avoid Them

Water is essential for life, but not all water is created equal.

Bottled water can be a convenient way to stay hydrated, but it's important to be aware of the potential risks involved.

Here are five common bottled water scams to watch out for:

1. Counterfeit Water

Counterfeit water is bottled water that has been illegally produced and sold. It may be made from tap water, filtered water, or even contaminated water.
Counterfeit water can be dangerous to drink, as it may contain harmful bacteria or other contaminants.

To avoid counterfeit water, only buy bottled water from reputable brands and retailers.

2. Tap Water in Disguise

Some companies sell bottled water that is actually just tap water. This is often done by filtering the tap water and then adding minerals to make it taste better.
There is nothing wrong with drinking tap water, but it is not worth paying a premium price for it.

To avoid paying for tap water, look for bottled water that is labeled as "spring water" or "purified water".

3. Misleading Health Claims

Some bottled water companies make misleading health claims about their products.
For example, they may claim that their water can boost your immune system or help you lose weight.

There is no scientific evidence to support these claims. In fact, most bottled water is no healthier than tap water.

To avoid being misled by health claims, do your research before buying bottled water.

4. Hidden Costs

Some bottled water companies charge hidden fees for their products.
For example, they may charge a delivery fee or a recycling fee.

Be sure to read the fine print before buying bottled water so that you know what you are paying for.

5. Environmental Concerns

Bottled water is a major environmental concern.
The production of bottled water requires a lot of energy and resources, and the plastic bottles that are used to package water can end up in landfills or as litter.

If you are concerned about the environment, consider drinking tap water instead of bottled water.