Sparkling water is gaining popularity. Consumers are becoming more health-conscious, seeking healthier alternatives to sugary and alcoholic drinks. This interest is fueling industry growth.
The global sparkling water market is expected to grow in the coming years, driven by demand, diversification, and expansion. However, some concerns arise among consumers who dig deeper.
Beyond the obvious price tag, there are environmental implications and concerns about water quality. When you drink unfiltered tap water, you can often detect the taste and smell of chlorine. However, with sparkling water that is flavored, you may not notice these quality differences.
There also may be hidden contaminants you can’t taste, like “forever chemicals” — which are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Do you love sparkling water but want to ensure the best quality hydration while minimizing your environmental impact? Here’s why you should consider Brio’s sparkling water dispensers.
The Impact of Sparkling Water's Rising Popularity on the Environment
There is no doubt that sparkling water is a healthier alternative to sugary drinks.
Some also find that they consume more water when they have access to both still and sparkling options. However, concerns exist regarding the production and disposal of sparkling water packaging.
Unlike still water, which can be sourced in large, reusable bottles, sparkling water is generally sold in single-use aluminum cans or plastic bottles. It is an ongoing issue, contributing to the over 60 million plastic water bottles discarded each day in the United States.
So, sparkling water itself is not inherently harmful. It's how it’s produced and packaged for consumption that contributes to pollution and resource depletion. To help mitigate these risks, sustainable alternatives, like home carbonation systems, are recommended.
What Water is Used for Sparkling Water?
There are many sparkling water brands out there. Many of them sell their products for a premium. A higher price doesn’t necessarily mean you’re consuming top-quality water, though.
Companies often claim to use purified water. However, there are reports of PFAS found in sparkling water. PFAS are a group of over 4,700 synthetic chemicals, known for their persistence in the environment. Unfortunately, they can accumulate in animals, including humans.
While organizations regulate PFAS by setting maximum contaminant levels, these chemicals are still commonly found in the public water supply. Therefore, people often opt for bottled or canned options, such as sparkling water.
Consumer Reports Study
Opting for bottled and canned water is often thought to be the safer, healthier option, and people are willing to pay for that peace of mind. However, these products may not be as clean as many believe.
A Consumer Reports study examined 35 non-carbonated and 12 carbonated samples. It was found that seven of the carbonated waters contained PFAS.
While PFAS regulations and standards vary, many experts say that even at extremely low levels, these chemicals are toxic. Some suggest 1 part per trillion (ppt) is the recommended limit, stating that current standards are too high.
While the carbonated samples studied fell below the legal limits for heavy metals, measurable amounts of PFAS were reported. One sample didn’t contain PFAS, and seven had concentrations above 1 ppt. Three samples came back with high levels, including 2.24 ppt, 6.41 ppt, and 9.76 ppt.
Read more: PFAS Chemicals: Does Your Tap Water Exceed the New PFAS Limits?
What's the Solution? A Sparkling Water Dispenser You Can Trust
If you love sparkling water but are concerned about recent PFAS reports and the environment, there is a solution: Brio’s new Q60 and 630 countertop water dispensers.
Here’s what to expect from these multi-stage countertop sparkling water dispensers.
Brio 630 2-Stage Sparkling Countertop Water Dispenser
With this powerful multi-stage filtration unit, you can enjoy both still and sparkling water on demand. There is no need for plumbing or water hookups, making it a convenient hydration solution that can be easily installed.
Whether you’re drinking still or sparkling water, you can feel confident in the quality of each glass.
Benefits and features include:
• Powerful filtration: Enjoy two-stage filtration, featuring a sediment filter and a carbon block filter, to eliminate chlorine, benzene, rust, dust, silt, odors, bad tastes, pollutants, and more.
• Chilled sparkling water on demand: Enjoy chilled sparkling water with 3-3.2% carbonation at the touch of a button.
• Easy-to-fill tank: The 5L tank, complete with a carry handle, makes filling the unit a convenient and straightforward process.
• Space-saving design: At 14.4" W x 16.73" H x 19.29" D, this unit takes up minimal space.
• Tri-temperature setting: Enjoy hot, cold, or room temperature water on demand.
• UV cleaning: The automatic UV self-cleaning technology eliminates potential bacteria and simplifies maintenance.
Learn more about the Brio 630 2-Stage Sparkling Countertop Water Dispenser.
Brio Q60 4-Stage RO Sparkling Countertop Water Dispenser
To ensure optimal quality, including the reduction of PFAS, consider the 4-Stage RO Sparkling Water Dispenser. Researchers at Duke and North Carolina State universities found RO and two-stage filters are the most effective.
This sparkling water dispenser offers many of the same features as the 630 dispenser, including on-demand access to carbonated water. However, there are some differences:
• Premium RO filtration: Your water will pass through four stages of filtration, including sediment, activated carbon, RO membrane, and post carbon. This sparkling water dispenser removes up to 99% of contaminants.
• 10 preset temperatures: Dispense water at temperatures ranging from 39°F to 203°F at the touch of a button.
• Different, yet compact size: This unit measures 8.66" W x 18.38" H x 16.9" D.
• 3:1 pure-to-drain ratio: This unit is engineered to maximize purified water extraction, helping you save money and reduce environmental impact.
Learn more about the Brio Q60 4-Stage RO Sparkling Countertop Water Dispenser.
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