Is tap water better for you than bottled water? Generally, yes.
In the UK, tap water is subject to more stringent safety testing than bottled water, costs significantly less, and has a negligible environmental footprint. However, many people dislike the taste of tap water due to the chlorine used for disinfection.
The Bottom Line: The healthiest and most sustainable choice is to drink tap water, but use a high-quality filter to remove chlorine and potential pipe contaminants. Understanding what a water filter actually does to your supply is the first step toward better hydration.
Safety and Quality
One of the biggest misconceptions in the UK is that bottled water is "purer" than tap water. The data suggests otherwise.
Regulations and Testing
-
Tap Water: UK tap water is regulated by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI). It undergoes daily testing and must pass strict standards for bacteria, lead, and chemicals. In 2024, UK tap water boasted a 99.97% compliance rate with safety standards.
-
Bottled Water: While safe, bottled water is classified as a food product and is tested less frequently than municipal supplies.
The Microplastic Concern Recent studies have shown that bottled water often contains higher levels of microplastics than tap water. This is largely due to the packaging itself degrading over time, especially if bottles are exposed to heat during transport.
Where Tap Water Struggles While the water leaving the treatment plant is safe, it must travel through miles of pipework to reach your home. In older UK properties (pre-1970s), there is a small risk of lead leaching from old service pipes. Additionally, chlorine is added to keep the water sterile, which—while safe—can cause an unpleasant chemical smell.
The Cost Breakdown
From a financial perspective, there is no competition. Switching to tap water is one of the easiest ways to reduce household expenses.
| Water Source |
Average Cost per Litre |
Annual Cost (2L/day) |
| Bottled Water |
£0.85 |
£620.00 |
| Tap Water |
£0.001 |
£0.73 |
| Filtered Tap Water |
£0.05 - £0.10 |
£36.00 - £70.00 |
Verdict: By switching from bottled to filtered tap water, a single person can save over £500 per year. For families looking for more permanent solutions, a 4-in-1 filtered water tap can offer even greater long-term convenience and savings.
Why Your Water Tastes "Off"
If tap water is so safe, why do millions of Brits still buy bottled water? The answer is almost always taste.
-
Chlorine: Essential for killing bacteria, but it leaves a distinct "swimming pool" odour and taste.
-
Hard Water Minerals: Much of the UK (especially the South and London) has hard water. While high in calcium and magnesium (which are good for you), it can create a "chalky" texture that ruins a good cup of tea.
The Solution: You do not need to buy bottled water to escape these tastes. A carbon-based filter effectively absorbs chlorine and organic compounds, leaving you with water that tastes as crisp as premium mineral water. To maintain this quality, regular water filter replacements are essential.
Recommendation
If you decide to drink tap water but want to improve the quality and taste, the method of filtration matters.
Many households unknowingly trade one problem for another by using cheap plastic filter jugs. These can harbour bacteria if not cleaned rigorously and often contribute to the very plastic waste problem people are trying to avoid.
The Superior Choice: Glass & Gravity For the best experience, we recommend switching to a glass countertop dispenser.
-
Hygiene: Glass is non-porous and easier to keep sterile than plastic.
-
Taste Integrity: Unlike plastic, glass imparts zero flavour to the water, ensuring the purest taste.
-
Sustainability: High-quality dispensers, such as those by Arno, are designed to last a lifetime, not just a few months.
Why We Like Arno: Arno bridges the gap between health and design. By combining laboratory-grade filtration with a stunning glass vessel, it removes the chlorine and contaminants without adding plastic back into your kitchen. Whether you prefer a countertop solution or a 5-in-1 instant boiling water tap, it transforms the act of drinking tap water from a "chore" into a premium experience.
Final Summary
Drinking water in the UK doesn't need to be complicated.
-
Trust the Tap: It is safe, strictly regulated, and virtually free.
-
Filter the Bad Stuff: Use a filter to remove chlorine taste and potential lead from old pipes.
-
Ditch the Plastic: Avoid bottled water and plastic jugs. Invest in a sustainable glass solution like Arno to protect both your health and the planet.
Author
Written by The Arnotap Team Specialists in Hydration Technology & Kitchen Innovation. At Arnotap, we combine advanced filtration science with minimalist design to transform how you experience water at home. Our mission is to provide sustainable, instant, and pure water solutions for the modern lifestyle.
References
-
Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI). Drinking Water Quality in England 2024: Compliance Report. Available at: dwi.gov.uk
-
World Health Organization (WHO). Microplastics in Drinking-water: Evidence and Health Risks. Available at: who.int
-
Consumer Council for Water (CCW). The Price of Water: Tap vs. Bottled Cost Comparison. Available at: ccwater.org.uk
-
Water UK. Lead Pipes and Water Quality: What You Need to Know. Available at: water.org.uk
-
National Health Service (NHS). Dehydration and the Importance of Water. Available at: nhs.uk
Is Tap Water Better for You? The Honest UK Guide (2025)
Is tap water better for you than bottled water? Generally, yes.
In the UK, tap water is subject to more stringent safety testing than bottled water, costs significantly less, and has a negligible environmental footprint. However, many people dislike the taste of tap water due to the chlorine used for disinfection.
The Bottom Line: The healthiest and most sustainable choice is to drink tap water, but use a high-quality filter to remove chlorine and potential pipe contaminants. Understanding what a water filter actually does to your supply is the first step toward better hydration.
Safety and Quality
One of the biggest misconceptions in the UK is that bottled water is "purer" than tap water. The data suggests otherwise.
Regulations and Testing
Tap Water: UK tap water is regulated by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI). It undergoes daily testing and must pass strict standards for bacteria, lead, and chemicals. In 2024, UK tap water boasted a 99.97% compliance rate with safety standards.
Bottled Water: While safe, bottled water is classified as a food product and is tested less frequently than municipal supplies.
The Microplastic Concern Recent studies have shown that bottled water often contains higher levels of microplastics than tap water. This is largely due to the packaging itself degrading over time, especially if bottles are exposed to heat during transport.
Where Tap Water Struggles While the water leaving the treatment plant is safe, it must travel through miles of pipework to reach your home. In older UK properties (pre-1970s), there is a small risk of lead leaching from old service pipes. Additionally, chlorine is added to keep the water sterile, which—while safe—can cause an unpleasant chemical smell.
The Cost Breakdown
From a financial perspective, there is no competition. Switching to tap water is one of the easiest ways to reduce household expenses.
Verdict: By switching from bottled to filtered tap water, a single person can save over £500 per year. For families looking for more permanent solutions, a 4-in-1 filtered water tap can offer even greater long-term convenience and savings.
Why Your Water Tastes "Off"
If tap water is so safe, why do millions of Brits still buy bottled water? The answer is almost always taste.
Chlorine: Essential for killing bacteria, but it leaves a distinct "swimming pool" odour and taste.
Hard Water Minerals: Much of the UK (especially the South and London) has hard water. While high in calcium and magnesium (which are good for you), it can create a "chalky" texture that ruins a good cup of tea.
The Solution: You do not need to buy bottled water to escape these tastes. A carbon-based filter effectively absorbs chlorine and organic compounds, leaving you with water that tastes as crisp as premium mineral water. To maintain this quality, regular water filter replacements are essential.
Recommendation
If you decide to drink tap water but want to improve the quality and taste, the method of filtration matters.
Many households unknowingly trade one problem for another by using cheap plastic filter jugs. These can harbour bacteria if not cleaned rigorously and often contribute to the very plastic waste problem people are trying to avoid.
The Superior Choice: Glass & Gravity For the best experience, we recommend switching to a glass countertop dispenser.
Hygiene: Glass is non-porous and easier to keep sterile than plastic.
Taste Integrity: Unlike plastic, glass imparts zero flavour to the water, ensuring the purest taste.
Sustainability: High-quality dispensers, such as those by Arno, are designed to last a lifetime, not just a few months.
Why We Like Arno: Arno bridges the gap between health and design. By combining laboratory-grade filtration with a stunning glass vessel, it removes the chlorine and contaminants without adding plastic back into your kitchen. Whether you prefer a countertop solution or a 5-in-1 instant boiling water tap, it transforms the act of drinking tap water from a "chore" into a premium experience.
Final Summary
Drinking water in the UK doesn't need to be complicated.
Trust the Tap: It is safe, strictly regulated, and virtually free.
Filter the Bad Stuff: Use a filter to remove chlorine taste and potential lead from old pipes.
Ditch the Plastic: Avoid bottled water and plastic jugs. Invest in a sustainable glass solution like Arno to protect both your health and the planet.
Author
Written by The Arnotap Team Specialists in Hydration Technology & Kitchen Innovation. At Arnotap, we combine advanced filtration science with minimalist design to transform how you experience water at home. Our mission is to provide sustainable, instant, and pure water solutions for the modern lifestyle.
References
Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI). Drinking Water Quality in England 2024: Compliance Report. Available at: dwi.gov.uk
World Health Organization (WHO). Microplastics in Drinking-water: Evidence and Health Risks. Available at: who.int
Consumer Council for Water (CCW). The Price of Water: Tap vs. Bottled Cost Comparison. Available at: ccwater.org.uk
Water UK. Lead Pipes and Water Quality: What You Need to Know. Available at: water.org.uk
National Health Service (NHS). Dehydration and the Importance of Water. Available at: nhs.uk