The bottled water industry has exploded over the past decade. People are buying bottled water in droves because they believe it’s healthier than tap water and that the bottled water is better tasting too.

Bottled water is a convenient way to stay hydrated especially in times where it’s hard to find clean, potable drinking water. It’s also a great option for traveling and can help you to avoid the risk of getting dehydrated on a plane, train, or car ride. However, if you are concerned about the environmental impact of all those plastic and glass bottles being thrown away, there are options for you to minimize your consumption.

The best bottled water is sourced locally, sustainably produced, and carbon neutral. It is also free of pollutants and chemicals, and it has a low mineral content (with the exception of silica). In addition to these qualities, a great bottled water should have a healthy reputation and be fairly priced.

In general, a good quality bottled water should cost less than $10 per gallon, which is comparable to the price of a single gallon of gasoline. The lower prices make it easier for consumers to keep up with their hydration goals without breaking the bank.

It is important to remember that even though the FDA regulates bottled water that is sold nationally, state governments are responsible for the regulation of bottled water that is sourced and packaged within their borders. So, if you are interested in purchasing a bottle of bottled water, it is a good idea to contact the state where the water was sourced and ask for a copy of their most recent water quality report.

Another important consideration when deciding on the best bottled water is the brand itself. Many brands of bottled water have a sustainable mission and are committed to protecting the environment, providing health benefits for their customers, and giving back to the community. For example, a company like Waiakea Water is the first bottler to be certified carbon neutral and is the only bottled water company in the world to donate a week of safe drinking water for every liter of water purchased.

There are many other options for hydration, such as tap water or drinking fountains at restaurants and schools. Despite the fact that the consumption of bottled water is on the rise, there are still many people who don’t have access to clean drinking water, so it may be necessary for them to buy bottled water in order to stay hydrated. As long as the bottled water is made from a local source, it’s a safe and healthy alternative to soda and other sugary drinks. It’s also an environmentally friendly choice because it keeps countless plastic bottles out of landfills and saves energy that would be used to produce the bottles. We may receive commission from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change. This content is created by a 3rd party partner for Yahoo.