Most people are familiar with the environmental problems that plastic bottled water creates. Besides being harmful for the planet, bottled water can pose potential health risks. That’s why many people are investing in home and business water systems to replace the hundreds of plastic bottles they can go through a year.

3 Health Risks of Drinking Bottled Water

1. BPAs

BPA stands for bisphenol A, an organic synthetic compound commonly used in plastic bottle manufacturing. Opponents of BPAs claim that this chemical seeps out of the plastic into the water and may affect children’s brain function as well as increase blood pressure. BPA is also an endocrine disruptor, which means that in the human body, it mimics the effects of naturally occurring hormones. A water system installed in your home not only avoids these risks but also cuts down on how much single-use plastic your household throws out. 

2. Microplastics 

Microplastics are small pieces of plastic that measure less than five millimeters. They’ve been found everywhere, from Mt. Everest to the Great Lakes and even in bottled water. Though no studies have confirmed the health effects of ingesting microplastics in drinking water, it’s certainly not an appetizing additive. Fortunately, most home water systems will filter out any microplastics before they reach your glass. 

3. Chemical Additives

The next time you’re in the bottled water aisle, check out the labels. Though you might expect the only ingredient listed to be water, many bottles have three or four ingredients listed—usually magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium bicarbonate, or other salts. Most of these chemicals occur naturally in drinking water, but the main reason these minerals and salts are added is for taste. People tend to dislike the flatness of industrially purified water without additives. However, if you’re trying to control the sodium in your diet, bottled water can be a sneaky source, sometimes with up to 20 mg of sodium a liter. With home water systems, you can customize your additives and cut down on the extra sodium.

Hano Naka, based in Honolulu, HI, designs custom home and commercial water systems to provide the cleanest, freshest hydration available right from your tap. This family-owned and -operated business has been revolutionizing home water systems throughout Oahu for over 10 years. Using their specialized Japanese filtration system, tap water is not only purified but also receives antioxidants and hydrogen. For more information on their products, call (808) 596-2555 or visit them online.