Tap Vs Pthalates

[Matheous-2]

I apologise if this subject has already been covered.
Would you find it healthier to consume Scottish tap water or use plastic bottled options which probably transfer Pthalates which has had bad press apparently?
Unless, of course I can find large glass bottled h2o!

[rockyracoon]

I've no idea to be honest, but in Africa water is sterilised by putting it into plastic PET bottles and leaving in the sun.

[rockyracoon]

Just to add, there's nothing unhealthy about drinking tap water afaik.

[wolf63]

I have plastic bottles of Perth's finest tap water chilling in the fridge at present. It tastes lovely jubbly but not bubbly

[AB Editor]

Is Scottish tap water known for being ... problematic?

I believe the problem with plastic bottles is when they get old or are left in direct sunlight - which means they start to break down. While you can't be completely sure what state they've been in in transit you're probably safe with fresh ones.

Have you considered a filter?

[murraymints]

Great tap water here in Edinburgh ! ....after London and Norfolk like nectar !

[Nibble]

Does your question not apply to ANY bottled water, not just Scottish water?

[AB Editor]

"I've no idea to be honest, but in Africa water is sterilised by putting it into plastic PET bottles and leaving in the sun."

I didn't know that.

A nurse I know, living out in Qatar, made complaints to the city council, or whoever, because the water is delivered and left in the sun so long.

Then again, I doubt if you're dying of thirty you're not fussed about increased cancer risks in the future!

[AB Editor]

Cambridgeshire tap water is the best tasting in my experience.

I believe it experiences veritgo everywhere else, with all the hills I mean.

[rockyracoon]

I was reading about it a few weeks ago, but as you say, if there's no choice then you'll drink it and be grateful.

[rockyracoon]

Bugger, meant to add a link

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4786216.stm

[diddlydo]

In the UK, bottled water is a complete waste of money.

[AB Editor]

"In the UK, bottled water is a complete waste of money."

Often, yes.

Unless you're having whisky & water and you want to use water from the same spring as the whisky is from.

It's also quite good for carrying around - much more useful than running a hose from your house :)

[Mamyalynne]

I have never bought a bottle of water in my life.

[daffy654]

Brita water filter jug.

[boxtops]

Ed, LOL

[LazyGun]

You might find this article of interest, Matheous.

http://www.abc.net.au/health/talkinghealth/factbuster/stories/2010/10/27/3048695.htm

I assume your concern relates to phthalates being suspected of belonging to a class of chemicals that can potentially disrupt the endocrine system. Disruption of the hormones and the regulatory pathways could indeed be potentially quite serious, but the problem is that the science associating the link between phthalates and endocrine disrupters is scant and not particularly well demonstrated.

Then you have issues about just when in our life cycle such an endocrine disrupter might be harmful, and most would concur that the greatest risk would be during the development phase - ie foetus/developing infant.

So - poorly articulated and demonstrated risk.

Next, do water bottles contain sufficient to cause problems, and does this leaching happen during normal use and storage? And again there are problems with making this link, because PET is not the type of phthalate thought to be a problem for a start. Secondly, the idea that leaching occurs at all is still not proven very well, and thirdly, even if the leaching does occur, it occurs under exceptional circumstances - intense heat or re-use over a long period of time.

Personally, I think there are far bigger health risks to worry about, and if you are going to choose between tap water or plastic bottled water, you should recognise that bottled water does far more harm to your wallet than it likely is to your health! :)

[gingejbee]

I think that this OP thinks far too much about drinking water - see previous posts. The stress caused is far unhealthier than anything he could consume!

[Matheous-2]

Thanks to all- and a special mention to Ab Editor ! -I am honoured to have you in my thread!
For the record, I think tap water will do fine! We don't have problem water here...it's just softer than down south.

[rockyracoon]

Be grateful for that Math, we have to spend fortunes to get decent bubbles in the bath ;)

[diddlydo]

Ab Editor - when we want to carry water around (always!) we just refill a plastic bottle with tap water and take it out with us. When it's really hot we take a spare bottle to refill our water bottles. Job done.