In these modern times, there’s more choice than ever when it comes to the water we drink, a fact that can make choosing the right water for health and hydration particularly tricky.

Realising the benefits of great hydration is good for everyone, but health and hydration aside, it’s often the taste of the water that is the defining factor in your choice.

Here we take a closer look at which type of water tastes better, comparing the nation’s most popular water choices – tap, bottled, and filtered.

Tap water

Tap water in the UK may be the safest and best tasting on the planet, but that doesn’t mean it’s pure. Despite the strict disinfection process used in the UK, tap water contains several contaminants and chemicals. The addition of certain chemicals during this disinfection process can also be a concern for many.

Here Human Window reveals more about what’s in your tap water:

“In the UK, small amounts of Chlorine are added to water as it leaves the treatment works to kill harmful bacteria and other microorganisms. Some UK water authorities also add things such as fluoride to the water supply.

Other things that are sometimes found in tap water in the UK include pesticides, trihalomethanes, hormones, nitrates and more. Tap water usually does contain some minerals such as magnesium and other electrolytes.”

Whilst found in small quantities in UK tap water, these contaminants, chemicals, and minerals have been linked to unpleasant tasting tap water. When compared to bottled water, however, a 2010 study found that very few people could tell the difference.

Bottled water

For those who pay a premium for their water, bottled water is a particular favourite. But as we found in our blog post ‘Bottled water – the great hydration swindle?’, you may not be getting what you pay for.

Many bottled water brands offer tap water that has been repackaged, which can feel like a con for people who think that the water they’re purchasing is safer, better tasting, and more convenient than tap water.

The bottling process also means that the water inside can be contaminated with microplastics. Some bottled water products have even been recalled due to their microplastic and contaminant content.

It is important to note that not all bottled water is created equal. Bottled mineral water for instance has a more distinctive flavour due to its mineral content.

On the whole however all bottled water products are more expensive and less environmentally friendly than water that’s been filtered at home and stored in a reusable bottle.

Filtered water

When considering health, taste, sustainability and value, filtered water always comes out on top. Unbeknown to most, filtration systems provide an affordable way to enjoy the best quality water both in your home and on the go.

Thanks to the filtration of impurities and contaminants, filtered water tastes even better. Filtered water can also be used to enhance your water drinking experience and improve the taste of other beverages such as tea and coffee.

The common contaminants found in tap water and some bottled water products include zinc and chlorine, both of which produce a bitter and unpleasant taste.

With filtered water, you don’t have to drink these bad tasting extras, which will make it easier and more enjoyable hitting those hydration goals.

Ready to embrace the wonders of filtered water at home? Check out our drinking water filter systems to get started.