Is tap water FDA approved?

Author: Jan Hirthe  |  Last update: Friday, December 19, 2025

It's regulated by different agencies, with different missions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency oversees the quality of water that comes out of your tap, while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is responsible for ensuring the safety and truthful labeling of bottled water sold nationally.

Is tap water regulated by the FDA?

EPA regulates public drinking water (tap water), while FDA regulates bottled drinking water.

What is FDA approved water?

Purified Water – Water that has been produced by distillation, deionization, reverse osmosis, or other suitable processes and that meets the definition of “purified water” in the United States Pharmacopeia.

Is it safe to drink tap water now?

Yes. In like 90% of the US, the tap water s completely safe.

What water is not regulated by the FDA?

Sterilized water is free from all microbes. Note: Carbonated water, soda water, seltzer water, sparkling water, and tonic water are considered soft drinks and are not regulated as bottled water.

How Bad Is Tap Water for Health? | Dr. Andrew Huberman

Is Dasani water FDA approved?

DASANI meets all FDA Bottled Water Regulations Standards of Quality. View the water quality report here.

Is tap water safe to drink?

Key points. Public tap water in the United States is regulated and usually safe to drink. However, sometimes tap water gets contaminated with chemicals that can make you sick. Contact your drinking water utility or health department if you think your tap water is contaminated with harmful chemicals.

Do you really need to filter tap water?

Although filters can be helpful in removing harmful chemicals from our water, they sometimes strip away beneficial minerals too. These include magnesium and calcium, as well as iron and manganese, which are eliminated to make water softer and prevent discolouration, respectively.

Which states have safe tap water?

  • Hawaii. #1 in Drinking Water Quality. ...
  • Tennessee. #2 in Drinking Water Quality. ...
  • Alabama. #3 in Drinking Water Quality. ...
  • South Carolina. #4 in Drinking Water Quality. ...
  • Massachusetts. #5 in Drinking Water Quality. ...
  • Kentucky. #6 in Drinking Water Quality. ...
  • Georgia. #7 in Drinking Water Quality. ...
  • Florida. #8 in Drinking Water Quality.

Is tap water often safer than bottled water?

However, a growing body of research has found that bottled water has its own challenges — and regular tap water may be better in most situations. A recent scientific paper published in BMJ Global Health argues that tap water in the U.S. is almost always a healthier choice than drinking bottled water.

What is the safest water brand to drink?

Safest Bottled Water
  1. Tyent Portable Hydrogen Water Bottle. The Tyent Portable Hydrogen Water Bottle is the best way to get clean, safe water on the go. ...
  2. Evian. Evian water comes from the rain and snow in the French Alps. ...
  3. VOSS Water. VOSS Water is bottled in Norway. ...
  4. FIJI Water. ...
  5. Acqua Panna. ...
  6. Gerolsteiner. ...
  7. Perrier. ...
  8. San Pellegrino.

What water filters are FDA approved?

  • Baclyser® Faucet Filters TR and TL.
  • Baclyser® Inline Series.
  • Baclyser® Shower Filter S.
  • CleanSpray Faucet Filter FX.
  • AquaMedix Dual Stage Filter DS.
  • CleanSpray HandShower and Filter.
  • CleanSpray HandShower Replacement HR.
  • Inline AS Tube.

Does the FDA test bottled water?

In the US, bottled water is federally regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) while municipal tap water is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Is it safe to only drink bottled water?

When you only drink bottled water, you are missing out on many of the nutrients that come from tap water. In nearly every batch of city water across the U.S., fluoride is added. When you only drink water, you do not get the fluoride that your teeth need to avoid getting cavities.

What does the FDA recommend for water?

Water must be sampled, analyzed, and found to be safe and sanitary. These regulations also require proper plant and equipment design, bottling procedures, and record keeping. In addition, bottled water processors are generally required to register with the FDA as food facilities.

Are there pharmaceuticals in tap water?

Researchers have detected all sorts of drugs in drinking water — antibiotics, antidepressants, contraceptives and on down the list. Provincial governments are also responsible for keeping drinking water drinkable and several have made efforts to monitor the levels of pharmaceuticals in the water supply.

When did tap water become safe to drink?

The United States Congress enacted the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in 1974, later amending and reauthorizing it in 1986 and 1996.

Is it safe to drink tap water from the bathroom?

It's possible that this water contains small amounts of dust and debris from the storage tank in your home. Therefore, while there's no harm in drinking water from a bathroom tap at home once in a while, it's much safer to drink water from your kitchen tap connected to the mains.

How do I know if my drinking water is safe?

Water quality standards in California are even more rigorous than federal stan- dards. Testing for water quality is done annually, and the results are sent to every customer in a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). You can check the website of your local public water system for a current CCR.

Does BRITA actually filter water?

As water passes through the filter, the nonwoven element reduces sediment, while the carbon block traps smaller contaminants. * Brita® faucet filters reduce lead, chlorine, asbestos, benzene, particulates and other contaminants. See this chart for a complete list of what Brita reduces or removes from tap water.

How long will tap water stay drinkable?

Store tap water in a cool, dark place, such as under a sink or in the basement. Label the containers with the date of storage and replace the water every six months. When you drink your stored tap water, you do not have to treat it.

Who has the cleanest tap water in the US?

The States With the Best and Worst Tap Water

Leading the country in water quality was Kentucky with a score of 768 points. Louisville Water actually trademarks its water, known as Louisville Pure Tap®. Washington, New York, Oregon, and Kansas were close behind Kentucky in the rankings.

What chemicals are in my tap water?

Some of the most concerning contaminants lurking in your tap water can include:
  • Lead. Lead is a toxic metal that can cause damage to health even at low doses. ...
  • Chlorine. ...
  • Chloramines. ...
  • Mercury. ...
  • VOCs. ...
  • Pharmaceuticals. ...
  • Herbicides. ...
  • Pesticides.

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