Tap as good as bottled, study says

New Haven (WTNH) - Americans spend billions on bottled water. But is water you buy any better than water from your tap? A new study says no.

Rachel Becker of New Jersey prefers bottled water.

"I think that it has a better quality taste," she said.

But Janet Suchecki of Clinton likes tap water.

"It tastes better. You don't know how long the water's been in the bottle," she said.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) tested 10 bottled water brands and found that they contained the same contaminants as tap water. In fact, the bottled water industry admits that up to 45 percent of bottled water comes from municipal supplies.

Furthermore, manufacturers are not required to disclose where they get their water, how its purified or whether it is treated at all.

EWG is urging Congress to enact stricter standards and labeling for bottled water.

"It makes up more than half of our body. We're drinking 8 servings a day, no other food are we consuming so much of a single product. It deserves a special place, special attention," said Jane Houlihan, EWG.

Joe Doss from the International Bottled Water Association disagrees saying, "Bottled water is a safe, healthy, convenient product. It is comprehensively regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and the United States."

Regardless, Rachel says she'll stick with the bottled water.

"I still prefer it," she said.