Unpacking California’s Water Choices
California’s relationship with water is complex. From droughts to floods, the Golden State has seen it all.
But beyond the dramatic headlines, there’s a quiet debate happening every day in our kitchens: tap water or bottled water? Which is the better choice for our health, our wallets, and our environment?
Round 1: Source and Quality
Tap water in California comes from a diverse range of sources, including snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada, rivers like the Sacramento, and groundwater aquifers. This water undergoes rigorous filtration and treatment processes to meet strict safety standards. However, aging infrastructure in some areas can pose challenges to maintaining optimal water quality.
While California’s water undergoes extensive treatment, some contaminants can still be present in trace amounts. These can include disinfection byproducts like trihalomethanes (THMs), formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter, as well as pesticides, herbicides, and industrial chemicals. Emerging contaminants like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, are also a growing concern. Regular monitoring and testing are crucial to ensure that water quality meets safety standards and protect public health.