Reusing any personal item without cleaning it results in the growth of bacteria.
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Many consumers reuse disposable plastic water bottles for convenience' sake and to keep the bottles out of landfills. Based upon recent findings, including a four-year Natural Resources Defense Council study, you should reconsider reusing plastic water bottles (see References 1). Disposable plastic water bottles are made for one-time use -- for the product that came in it -- not continual reuse (see References 3).
Bacteria in Reused Plastic Water Bottles
In 2003 the University of Calgary conducted a study of 75 plastic water bottles from an elementary school classroom. The bacteria levels were so high in the bottles that, had the water been from the tap, a boil-water order would have been issued (see References 2). However, the study concluded that the high bacteria levels were more associated with poor hygiene practices than with the plastic bottles themselves. Bacteria grow naturally in moist, warm environments, and virtually any container can provide the right circumstances for bacterial growth. The shape of plastic water bottles is a factor in the promotion of bacteria, as the narrow mouths of the bottles make them difficult to clean. Containers designed for reuse have wider mouths that facilitate cleaning (see References 4).
Cleaning Bottles
Cleaning plastic water bottles with warm soapy water and allowing them to dry is essential to prevent bacteria growth. However, cleaning them creates another potential hazard. Abrasion to the soft, flexible walls of the bottle can damage the structure of the plastic, causing it to leach toxic chemicals into the water. Therefore, if you reuse plastic water bottles, do so for no longer than one month. (See References 3.)
Bottled Water Quality
Marketing designed to convince consumers of bottled water's superiority over tap water largely drives the product's sales. People spend as much as 10,000 times more per gallon for bottled water than tap water. But according to the Natural Resources Defense Council, much of this marketing is misleading. Between 25 and 40 percent of bottled water comes from a tap. Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which regulates bottled water, has weaker regulations than does the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which regulates tap water quality. (See References 1.)
Alternatives to Reusing Plastic Water Bottles
Two alternatives to reusing plastic bottles can reduce bacteria levels in your water and prevent waste. Drink filtered tap water from a glass with a wide mouth, which allows for ease in cleaning. Use a stainless steel bottle when a portable water bottle is needed. Stainless steel is durable, reusable, does not leach and does not taste like metal, as do many aluminum bottles. (See References 5.)
- Natural Resources Defense Council: Bottled Water -- Pure Drink or Pure Hype?
- "Canadian Journal of Public Health"; Bacterial Water Quality in the Personal Water Bottles of Elementary Students; J.A. Oliphant et al.; September/October 2002
- University of Florida; To Reuse or Not to Reuse Plastic Bottles -- Is There a Question?; Winter 2004
- Plastics Info: FAQs -- The Safety of Plastic Beverage Bottles
- Labour Environmental Alliance Society: On the Trail of Water Bottle Toxins
Hailing from Austin, Texas, Beth Berry has been writing since 1995 about sustainable farming, fiber arts and parenting. She brings expertise in organic gardening, landscape design and domestic arts to her writing. Berry holds a Bachelor of Science in environmental science from Abilene Christian University and is a master seamstress.
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