When it comes to daily hydration, many people in London still ask: is bottled water better than London tap water? The debate has been going on for years, yet the answer is simpler than most expect. Tap water in London is safe, regulated, and tested daily, while bottled water is expensive, environmentally damaging, and less practical. Still, Londoners buying bottled water continues to be a trend.
This article clears the confusion, explains why Londoners don’t trust tap water, compares bottled water vs filtered water in London, and shows why investing in a tap water filter is the smarter choice.
Is Bottled Water Better Than London Tap Water?
No. Bottled water is not better than London tap water. In fact, tap water in London is heavily regulated under strict EU and UK water quality standards. Every drop delivered to your home passes through a series of purification processes and is tested more than 50 times a day to ensure it is safe for drinking.
Bottled water, on the other hand, often comes from the same sources as tap water but costs up to 500 times more. Paying extra for bottled water doesn’t guarantee higher quality – it just adds more plastic waste to the environment.
👉 The only real improvement you can make to London tap water is installing a water filter at home, which removes chlorine taste, limescale, and any residual impurities, giving you fresh, clean, and great-tasting water straight from your tap.
Why Are Londoners Buying Bottled Water?
Even with safe tap water available, the sale of bottled water in London is rising. There are three main reasons:
- Taste and Odour – Some people dislike the chlorine taste or smell in London tap water.
- Mistrust – Many Londoners don’t trust tap water because they believe bottled water is purer.
- Convenience – Carrying a plastic bottle is seen as an easy option when outside.
But here’s the reality: bottled water is not only expensive but also inconvenient. Carrying bottles around all day is tiring and wasteful, especially when you can refill a reusable bottle with filtered tap water at home or at refill stations around the city.
Why Londoners Don’t Trust Tap Water
Mistrust usually comes from myths and old stories. Common concerns include:
- “London tap water comes from the Thames.”
- “It has too much limescale.”
- “It tastes bad, so it must be unhealthy.”
The truth is that while London water is hard water (rich in calcium and magnesium), it is not harmful. In fact, minerals in hard water can be beneficial. The only drawback is limescale buildup in kettles and appliances, which can be easily solved with a tap water filtration system.
👉 With a filter, you get bottled-quality water straight from your tap without the cost or waste.
Bottled Water vs Filtered Water in London
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | Bottled Water | Filtered Tap Water |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per litre | £1 – £2 | Less than 5p |
| Environmental impact | High (plastic waste) | Low (eco-friendly) |
| Convenience | Must carry bottles | Tap always available |
| Taste | Neutral, varies | Fresh, clean, customised |
| Health benefits | No added advantage | Removes chlorine taste, reduces limescale |
Clearly, filtered water in London is the better option. It combines the safety of tap water with the purity people expect from bottled water – but at a fraction of the cost.
Why Carrying Bottled Water Is a Hassle
Carrying bottled water all day is inconvenient, expensive, and harmful to the environment. Plastic bottles pile up in landfills and oceans, contributing to pollution. Instead of spending money daily on bottled water, investing once in a tap water filter gives you unlimited clean water at home.
You can easily fill a reusable bottle before leaving the house and enjoy fresh water anywhere you go. It’s cheaper, smarter, and eco-friendly.
Conclusion – Make the Smart Choice
So, is bottled water better than London tap water? The answer is no. London tap water is safe, affordable, and sustainable. The real upgrade comes when you install a water filter, which improves taste, removes chlorine, and protects your appliances from limescale.
Instead of following the trend of Londoners buying bottled water, switch to filtered water in London. It’s healthier for you, better for your wallet, and kinder to the planet.
👉 Browse our tap water filters today and enjoy pure, clean drinking water at home.
FAQs
1. Is bottled water safer than London tap water?
No. London tap water is tested daily and meets strict safety standards. Bottled water offers no extra safety benefits.
2. Why does London tap water taste different?
The chlorine used for disinfection and natural minerals in hard water affect taste. A water filter removes chlorine taste and improves flavour.
3. How can I stop buying bottled water in London?
Install a tap water filter at home and carry a reusable bottle. This way, you always have fresh, clean water without the cost of bottled water.
4. Is hard water in London bad for health?
No. Hard water contains calcium and magnesium, which are good for health. The only issue is limescale, which can be prevented with a filter.
5. Which is better: bottled water vs filtered water in London?
Filtered water is the best option. It is cheaper, fresher, and more eco-friendly compared to bottled water.