| Regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and standards can be enforced when violated. |
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Regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and bottled water in violation of standards can still be sold. |
| Cannot have confirmed E. coli or fecal coliform bacteria. |
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A certain amount of any bacteria is allowed. |
| Must be filtered and/or disinfected. |
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No federal filtration or disinfection requirements. |
| Utilities must have their water tested by certified labs. |
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Such testing is not required. |
| Testing results must be reported to state or federal officials. |
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No reporting requirements. |
| Water system operators must be certified. |
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No certification required. |
| Water suppliers must issue consumer confidence reports annually. |
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No public right-to-know requirements. |
| Can cost just pennies a day. |
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Can cost up to $4 per gallon. |
| Contains essential nutrients for the body such as calcium and iron. |
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Natural minerals are usually removed by filtration. |
| Contains chlorine residual to prevent bacteria growth. |
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No disinfectants present to kill bacteria. |
