Host Leanza Cornett sets up a water taste test in Santa Monica, Calif.

A blind taste test yields some answers to these questions. Then, find out how to drink the best-tasting water and save money, too.

ABCs of Bottled Water

Americans spend $10,000 per minute on bottled water, but just what's in it? You may never know, says Adrianna Quintero, attorney for the National Resources Defense Council, because of state and federal regulations and water test findings that are kept secret. Linda Green, an expert from Consumer Reports, fills you in on what to look for in bottled waters as well as the various home filtration devices available on the market. Pete Censky of the Water Quality Association breaks down the home filtration devices by cost and usefulness while Pankaj Parekh of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power protects the good name of tap water, long maligned as bad tasting but perhaps not such a bad choice, as revealed in the Tricks of the Trade water taste test.

How to Save Water and Save Money

• Check for leaks among pipes, faucets and toilets.
  Potential savings: 1,500 gallons per month or about $180 a year
  
• Turn off the faucet while brushing and shaving.
  Potential savings: 80 gallons per month
  
• Water your yard once a week, early in the day.
  Potential savings: 5,000 gallons per month or about $600 a year
  
• Keep pool covered.
  Potential savings: 1,000 gallons per month or about $120 a year (12 month use)

What's In That Water?

• Tap water is regulated by the EPA.
  
• Only 30 percent of bottled water is regulated by the FDA, but its guidelines require the source of bottled water to be identified.
  
• Some bottled water is just processed tap water.
  
• Distilled water: Evaporated and then re-condensed to remove all particles.
  
• Mineral Water: 250 parts mineral per million H20.
  
• Spring Water: From a natural spring.
  
• Artesian water: From an underground source.

The Best Tasting Water

• Water gets its taste from minerals and trace elements.
  
• Water tastes best at 55 degrees in a clear, clean glass.
  
• Water tastes better in clear, hard plastic than in opaque plastic.
  
• Water tastes best in clean glass.

Tap Water and Municipal Water Supplies

• Tap water may contain lead or arsenic.
  
• Cryptosporidium is a one-celled parasite that is sometimes found in municipal water supplies.
  
• Utilities must provide an annual water quality report, called a Consumer Confidence Report.
  
• Chlorine is used to treat water in swimming pools and public reservoirs.
  
• The chlorine taste in municipal tap water will dissipate after 20 minutes of refrigeration.
  
• Copper pipes will not contaminate your drinking water.

The Feedback on Home Filters

• A faucet-mounted filtration device (like Pur) will cost about $30-$40. Replacement filters cost about $7 each.
  
• A small distillation device costs $100 to $150.
  
• Reverse osmosis systems prices start at $1,000 and can go up to $4,000, depending on how many pipes are being treated.
  
• Many home filters use charcoal to remove contaminants.
  
• A carafe replacement filter costs approximately $7.
  
• Filters should be replaced after every 40 gallons.
  
• Only buy certified systems.
  
• Keep replacement supplies on hand.

Tricks of the Trade Water Taste Test Result

Preferred by:
40 percent, Fiji Artesian water
25 percent, Los Angeles tap water
20 percent, filtered tap water
15 percent, Evian spring water
0 percent, distilled water

Resources

Consumer Reports
www.consumerreports.org
Consumer Reports is a source for unbiased advice about products and services, personal finance, health and nutrition, and other consumer concerns.

National Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
Headquarters New York City
212- 727-2700
www.nrdc.org
The NRDC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting wildlife and wild places, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all living things.

International Bottled Water Association (IBWA)
Alexandria, Virginia
703-683-5213
www.bottledwater.org