What are some similarities shared by tap water and bottled water?

• Both tap water and bottled water are regulated by the U.S. government. Tap water from a municipal drinking water treatment plant is regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA). Bottled water sold across state lines is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the FDA), and some states have additional regulations. Carbonated water, soda water, sparkling water, and tonic water are considered soft drinks and are not regulated as bottled water.
• Many major brands of bottled water use tap water as their source. About 25% or more of bottled water is actually tap water—sometimes further treated, sometimes not.
• Both tap and bottled water are safe to drink.
• Both can have at least small amounts of contaminants, which doesn’t necessarily mean that the product is a health risk. (For example, minerals such as magnesium and calcium give water a distinctive flavor.)

 
Source(s):
Cornell Cooperative Extension: “Water Quality: Bottled Water”
EPA Water Health Series “Bottled Water Basics”
EHSO (Environment, Health and Safety Online) “Drinking Water Information : Bottled Water or Tap Water