Humans have been seeking new and innovative ways to conserve, purify, and distribute water for thousands of years. This quest has led us from the simple clay pots of ancient civilisations to the plastic and glass bottles of the modern world. But as we push into the 21st Century, a new contender has emerged in the realm of hydration: canned water.
But many consumers are asking an important question - is canned water as pure as its bottled counterpart? Let's dive into the science behind this trending beverage.
The Chemistry of Water Purification
To understand the purity of water, we need to take a quick look at the process of water purification. Both bottled and canned water undergo a rigorous purification process before they reach the consumer. These processes can include steps like reverse osmosis, UV treatment, and ozonation. These methods effectively remove harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants from the water.
In essence, the purification processes for both canned and bottled water are largely the same. They both aim to deliver water that meets or exceeds the standards set by health agencies worldwide. So, the question of purity essentially boils down to the packaging.
The Packaging Factor: Cans vs. Bottles
Water quality can be impacted by the materials used in its packaging. Traditionally, bottled water comes in plastic or glass containers. Although glass is inert and won't affect the water's quality, plastic is another matter. Over time, especially under heat and sunlight, plastic can release harmful chemicals like BPA (Bisphenol A) into the water.
On the other hand, canned water uses aluminium cans, which are lined with a thin layer of plastic to prevent any metallic taste. This layer is typically BPA-free, reducing the risk of chemical leaching. In addition, cans are more opaque than plastic bottles, offering better protection against sunlight, which can degrade water quality over time.
The Environmental Aspect
An additional factor to consider, while not directly linked to purity, is the environmental impact of the packaging. Aluminium cans are more easily and frequently recycled than plastic bottles, which often end up in landfills or oceans, where they take hundreds of years to decompose.
The Verdict
So, is canned water as pure as bottled water? The science suggests that it certainly can be, given the same purification processes are used. Additionally, canned water may even provide some advantages, such as better protection against sunlight and lower risks of chemical leaching from the packaging.
However, as consumers, it's crucial to understand that the purity of water also depends on the quality control standards of the company providing it. So, if you're considering switching to canned water, do some research on the brand to ensure they adhere to high water quality standards.
While more research is needed to definitively establish the superiority of one packaging method over the other, one thing is clear: as we become more conscious of our health and the environment, alternatives to traditional bottled water, like canned water, are gaining traction. And with their potential for high purity and lower environmental impact, they offer a promising avenue for sustainable hydration in the future.
