Let's consider these alternatives. It seems easy to purchase bottled water. It's estimated that 20 million U.S. households have turned to bottled water even though there is little scientific evidence to suggest that bottled water is any healthier than most municipal tap water. Legally accepted sources of bottled water are wells, springs and public tap water. Water in low grade plastic may leach toxins from the container, such as methyl chloride, a carcinogen.
Freshness is also an issue.
A recent study conducted by Northeastern University reveals that bacteria can indeed breed in bottled water. Elevated levels of bacteria can cause intestinal problems, diarrhea and nausea. Bottled water offers you no true peace of mind nor does it guarantee consistent purity. A water softener treats hard water simply by exchanging sodium for hardness minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Although removing hardness minerals helps soap and laundry detergent dissolve more easily, softeners have little effect on bacteria and do not remove synthetic chemicals or heavy metals like lead.