Bottled water is a popular beverage on the islands. It is available in many places including grocery stores, convenience stores, drugstores, and even at some gas stations. Bottled water comes from a variety of sources including groundwater, surface water, and even recycled water.
There are many risks associated with drinking bottled water, even in places like Hawaii where tap water is considered to be of high quality.
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Here are some of the most common dangers:
1. Chlorine buildup: The chlorine used to purify water into a drink can also create harmful byproducts, including trihalomethanes (THMs). These chemicals can damage the liver and respiratory system, particularly in people who are especially vulnerable.
2. Contamination: Even if your water is safe to drink, it may still be contaminated if it’s coming from a source that’s not properly regulated or monitored. This includes municipal water supplies that may have been compromised by bacteria or heavy metals. Bottled water from private wells may also be less reliable due to the increased chance of contamination at these sources.
3. Leaks: Even if your bottle appears to be sealed tight, there’s always a risk of it leaking if it’s poorly constructed or subjected to physical abuse. This could contaminate your drinking water with harmful chemicals and microorganisms.
4. Risks from shipping: Water that’s bottled at a facility before being shipped out may contain higher levels of contaminants than municipal water because it’s been treated in a way that doesn’t always comply with state and federal laws. Bottled water that’s bought in bulk and then distributed locally may also be more likely to contain contaminants than bottled water that has been shipped in from a distant source.