Comprehensive testing by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) reveals a surprising array of chemical contaminants in every bottled water brand analyzed, including toxic byproducts of chlorination in Walmart’s Sam’s Choice and Giant Supermarket's Acadia brands.
Analyses of 10 brands of bottled water revealed a wide range of pollutants, including not only disinfection byproducts, but also pollutants like caffeine and pharmaceuticals (Tylenol); heavy metals and minerals including arsenic and radioactive isotopes; fertilizer residue (nitrate and ammonia); and a broad range of industrial chemicals used as solvents, plasticizers, viscosity decreasing agents, and propellants.
The bottled water industry does not disclose the results of any contaminant testing that it conducts. The industry claims that bottled water is held to the same safety standards as tap water. But given the industry's refusal to make available data to support their claims, consumer confidence in the purity of bottled water is simply not justified.