When it comes to staying hydrated, not all water is created equal. As both a brewer and chemical engineer here in Kansas City, I’ve spent years thinking about water quality, because water isn’t just something we drink, it’s the foundation of every beer we brew at Border Brewing Company. Whether you’re filling a glass at home or grabbing a bottled option on the go, here are five key differences to help you decide which is best for you.
1. Where Your Water Comes From
Tap water is usually sourced from rivers, lakes, or underground aquifers, then treated by municipalities to make it safe to drink. Bottled water often starts the same way but undergoes extra filtration, sometimes reverse osmosis, for a cleaner finish. This added step typically means fewer contaminants in bottled water.
2. How It’s Treated
Municipal tap water goes through sedimentation, coarse filtration, and disinfection (usually chlorine or chloramine). Bottled water often adds an extra layer of purification with reverse osmosis, stripping away nearly all impurities. The result is highly purified water, though often without the natural minerals tap water retains.
3. Who Regulates It
Here’s a surprising fact: U.S. tap water is more strictly regulated than bottled water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees municipal water and requires frequent testing plus transparent reporting. Bottled water, however, is regulated by the FDA, which doesn’t require the same public accountability.
4. Microplastics and Contaminants
Studies show bottled water can contain two to three times more microplastics than tap water. These tiny particles often come from the bottling process or leach into the liquid when stored in plastic. While research is ongoing, this is a key consideration for health-conscious drinkers.
5. Taste and Minerals
Tap water sometimes carries a chlorine note, but it also contains natural minerals like calcium and magnesium, giving it more flavor. Bottled water, especially if treated with reverse osmosis, often tastes “flat” because those minerals are removed.
Final Takeaway: Which Should You Choose?
Bottled water is highly purified but comes with higher costs, weaker regulation, and often more microplastics. Tap water is affordable, better regulated, and environmentally friendly, though its taste may vary.
👉 Pro Tip: A home filtration system (like a Brita or reverse osmosis unit) gives you the best of both worlds. Safe, great-tasting, and cost-effective water.
At Border Brewing, we know that clean water is the cornerstone of every great pint, from our crisp Lima Fresca to our refreshing Strawberry Blonde Ale and even our Baseline Non-Alcoholic Beer Series.
Plan Your Visit
Want to taste how great water transforms into craft beer? Visit our Taproom in Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District and experience fresh beer brewed with care. Whether you’re stopping in after work, exploring First Fridays, or catching up with friends on our patio, we’ll pour you something you’ll love.
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