We put a lot of thought into where our water comes from and how it will be filtered. But have you given much thought as to what type of water bottle you should be drinking from? There are a number of options on the market, some safer and healthier than others. Before making a reusable water bottle purchase, it’s important to understand all the factors at play, including the material, price, and whether or not it’s dishwasher safe and of course, once you find the best container, you’ll want to give just as much thought to your drinking water sources as well.
Reusable Water Bottles Options
- Plastic - In recent years, most plastic bottle makers have shifted away from using bisphenol-A (BPA) after studies showed that the chemical has been linked to cancer, ADD, asthma and other health conditions. That’s why you often see a sticker or label declaring a bottle BPA-free. But does that mean plastic is safer? Not necessarily. Many bottle makers shifted to using bisphenol-S (BPS) as a “safer” alternative. However, new studies have shown that BPS may not be that much better than its cousin. If you’re going to use plastic bottles, it’s best to find ones that avoid using bisphenol chemicals altogether.
- Aluminum - One of the biggest pros to using aluminum (or other metal) bottles is that they are reusable. With slow-degrading plastic bottles filling our landfills, aluminum bottles are a more sustainable option. Aluminum is generally considered safe, as it has a fairly low toxicity level and is the third most common element in the Earth’s crust. Because of this, the human body is able to metabolize aluminum and safely be exposed to it with no ill effects according to the CDC. Something to consider with aluminum bottles is that they sometimes include a plastic inner lining to prevent leaching, which may use the chemical BPA we talked about earlier. If you’re going to go aluminum, try to find bottles that either don’t include a plastic liner or are labeled BPA-free.
- Stainless Steel - If the idea of metal containers appeals to you, stainless steel is a good alternative to aluminum. Steel is known for being highly durable, so you won’t have to worry about replacing it very often. On the flip side, steel bottles tend to be more expensive than other types. One important difference between steel and aluminum is that steel is 100 percent safe for humans, which means you won’t have to worry about a plastic liner (although you should check to make sure it doesn’t have one). Of course, with both metal containers, you’ll want to make sure you keep them out of the heat. Keep in mind when shopping for stainless steel containers to look for the material used to make the bottle to ensure it’s food grade.
- Glass - Glass bottles have a lot of benefits. Like steel and aluminum, they’re a much more sustainable option than plastic. And, as a completely natural material, you don’t have to worry about any affects on your health. Plus, they’re dishwasher safe. Some people find stainless and aluminum bottles to have a slightly metallic taste. This isn’t something you have to worry about with glass, which is described as having a “purer” taste than metal or plastic containers. The one downside to glass is their breakability. While some glass bottles are made from high-quality glass that’s less likely to shatter or be affected by extreme temperatures, it is something to consider, especially if you have small children around or tend to by less expensive glass products.
Add Filtered Water to Your New Reusable Bottle
Whichever bottle you choose for your specific needs, drinking water period is one of the simplest and healthiest things you can do for yourself. And remember, considering a water bottle is just the beginning. Knowing what type of water you are consuming and where it’s coming from is equally as important, so put as much effort into researching filters, appliances and the water quality in your area as you do that perfect water bottle.
Now that you know what water bottle you want to use for your filtered water, how do you get the best-filtered water possible? That's easy, using Perfect Water filters and products! Let The Perfect Water team help you find the best whole house water filter system for your home.