Reference no: EM133318792

Case Study: Liquid Necessities

Have you ever stopped and thought about what the implications of the water that you are drinking are? Most likely you probably would say no. However, there are three things that one might want to consider when getting water. Whether from the tap, or from a bottle, people need to drink water. People should be considering the safety of the water, the reliability of getting that water, and what it is costing them.

The first reason for even looking at water would be the safety of it. After all, there is not one person that would want to put something inside of their body if there was a healthier alternative. There are many reasons for water to be unhealthy, but it always boils down to the source,
transportation and filtration of the water. Bottled water on average will be the safer of the two to drink. Strict guidelines from bottling companies and controlled environments tend to let the bottled water stays safe. However, if the water bottle is plastic, then it is at risk of contaminating the water when exposed to heat for an extended period. For example, if it left in a hot car. Tap water on the other hand tends to have troubles in the distribution/transportation aspect. While the bottle is the mode of transportation for bottled water, tap water often must be transported through pipes. These pipes unfortunately will wear down over time and erode. If left unchecked the pipes will begin to contaminate the water with lead if there is lead within the pipes. Flint Michigan was a prime example of what happens when piping for water is left

unchecked and untreated. This has led to multiple deaths and hospitalizations. However, there are multiple ways for homeowners and residents to test their tap water. Also, there are water filters that can be purchased in order to mitigate any possible water contamination. If the water is safe, then the next thing that a person would look at would be the ability to obtain said water.Someone will almost always be able to find a water bottle at a grocery store, continence store, or restaurant. This means that in cities there is a high likelihood of finding drinkable water within walking distance (if you have the money for it). Once you purchase that bottled water, you will be able to transport it with you wherever you go too. This makes it great for trips places. However, if the area has no stores around then there is a much smaller likelihood of getting bottled water.

Reliability with tap water tends to be based on the safety of the plumbing, and if you are somewhere where you are allowed to get tap water. For example, most people probably would not be okay with giving a random person on the street water. Each person is different though, so you never truly know. A major bonus of tap water is that there is not a finite amount. Someone can simply turn on the tap and it will keep on running. Also, this tap water can also be stored in a container such as a thermos or bottle for later use while mobile. This is important, especially if people have monetary constraints.

Bottled water costs more than tap water almost always. Unless the person who purchases the bottled water recycles the empty water bottles for money or pays a water bill that is already perpetually near its limit. Tap water on the other hand will be included in the water bill for the
place of residency, and thus will be essentially "free". The only time that tap water will cost money is if purchased at a restaurant (in other countries).

Ultimately tap water is not better or worse than bottled water, both are water after all. Bottled water tends to be easier to check for safety of consumption, while tap water will be the cheaper of the two. The strongest reasoning if safety is not an issue and price is inconsequential
would simply be availability. Whatever someone can get their hands on should be the choice, as it is incredibly important to drink water.

Question: Discuss the Liquid Necessities