In modern urban society, plastic water bottles are the most convenient way for a lot of us to quench our thirst. There are so many brands, sizes available and we do not think twice to buy one rather than drinking tap water. But, have you ever considered what dark secrets are kept from us under the shiny little plastic cap?

The epic universe has decided to reveal 4 main facts bottled water produces trying to hide from us.

1. Toxic plastic bottles

The disposable plastic bottles used by most of the manufactures can exude dangerous chemicals. Always pay attention to the special signs on the bottom.

Numbered triangles indicate which kind of plastic was used in the manufacturing process.

A bottle labeled 1 (PET or PETE) is only safe for a single-use. When exposed to oxygen or high temperatures, including direct sunlight, such a bottle will release toxic materials that get into the water.

Avoid bottles labeled 3 or 7 (PVC and PC) as they radiate toxic chemicals able to penetrate your food and drinks, and prolonged exposure can even cause serious health issues.

Bottles made of polyethylene (2 and 4) and polypropylene (5 and PP) are fit for multiple uses. They’re comparatively safe if you only store cold water in them and frequently sterilize them.

3. Where does the water come from?

Almost all the water bottle manufacturers brag in their marketing material that the water you buy comes from picturesque rivers and streams on untouched mountain tops. But the truth is most of the time the water you buy in a bottle is equal to the water you get from the kitchen sink at home!

In fact, you can even see that on the bottle itself, usually in a tiny text.

Companies are legally required to specify the source of water for them is the main water supply channel.

2. Basic hygiene breaches

According to researchers, drinking water from a used plastic bottle is almost the same as licking a toilet seat, a dog’s toy, or even worse. The number of microorganisms in such bottles often surpasses acceptable safety limits easily. By drinking from a bottle with dirty hands, not rinsing it thoroughly enough, and keeping warm water in it we create the perfect growth conditions for harmful bacteria ourselves.

Is there a solution for this? Rinse bottles regularly with warm soapy water, vinegar, or antibacterial mouthwash.
Even after washing the bottles carefully, there is still a chance of getting food poisoning or even hepatitis A.

Research has shown that most bacteria live on bottlenecks that cannot be washed properly enough. Twist caps and sliding caps swarm with germs that you swallow along with water.

4. Is it even water?

Bottled water companies with an intent to capture a new market of young and sporty people advertise bottled water with different tastes added to it.

They claiming “it’s healthier for you” than other sugary drinks.
Sometimes these concoctions can contain as much sugar as a soda!
Don’t be fooled by marketing tricks, always check the info on the label.