It seems easy to purchase bottled water. It's estimated that 16 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. Food and Drug Administration regulations apply only to bottled water which is transported across state lines. Legally accepted sources of bottled water are wells, springs, even 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. A water softener treats hard water simply by exchanging sodium for hardness minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Although removing hardness 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. Softeners do not purify water for drinking because sodium is added and many contaminants are not effectively removed.