Bottled at the tap: 5 ideas about the water we drink

Tap water is always drinkable

True and false. France is one of the countries that best controls water with 24 million analyzes carried out each year by health authorities and private operators. A good point certainly, but that does not prevent a large number of chemical compounds, poorly dosed, to reside in tap water. In addition, the impact of certain pesticides or pesticide metabolites - organic waste formed as a result of chemical reactions - is not adequately studied.

Spring water and mineral water are different

True. Spring waters are drinkable in their natural state. But their composition is not stable because several waters of different sources can be mixed in the same bottle. Mineral waters must always have the same composition, for example always the same level of calcium or magnesium ...

You can consume only sparkling water

True. No studies have yet shown that sparkling water has a negative impact on health. It is however recommended to limit its consumption after a surgical operation in the stomach. In addition, the sparkling waters are generally saltier, so to drink in moderation in case of hypertension or diet without salt.

Drinking too much water or not enough is bad for your health

True. Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration and disruption of the brain, especially in infants and the elderly. Excess drinking is associated with a pathology - potomania - that falls into the classification of addictive behavior. Consumption exceeding four liters per day is not recommended as it can cause many problems, especially cerebral edema.

Osmosis water is better for health.

To check. It is filtered by a device to remove the taste of chlorine, but also pesticides, metals or residues of drugs. The benefits of this water on health, even if it is better to taste, have not yet been demonstrated.

How to check the quality of tap water?

There is a color code to check the tap water. It is intended to enhance consumer confidence: A (blue, good water quality), B (green, water of sufficient quality that can be consumed without risk to health), C (yellow, water of insufficient quality that could subject to consumption restrictions) and D (poor quality water that may have been banned from consumption). These data must appear on the invoice or on the website of the town halls.

Read also :

⋙ Do you drink enough water to be healthy?

⋙ Heat wave: how much water should you drink to avoid dehydration?

⋙ 6 mistakes that we all make when consuming bottled water or tap