Well water - comes from an aquifer into which a well has been drilled and water is mechanically pump...

1. Bottled Water Versus the Environment Case Study
Well water - comes from an aquifer into which a well has been drilled and water is mechanically
pumped to the surface.
Sparkling water - is water that has been treated and carbon dioxide is added.
One student shared that tap water is frequently tested to maintain public health and safety, bottled
water has no guidelines for testing?
Is bottled water better or healthier than tap water?
Labels provide information as to the source of the water in the bottle.
What will be the future impact on the environment if this trend continues?
Actions Leading to the Bottled Water Case Study
This case study explores the environmental effects associated with the production, consumption, and
recycling related to bottled water. Students learn about state and federal regulations associated
with the extraction of ground water and its potential impact on the environment, identify potential
safety hazards with drinking water, and become aware of the economic and ecological costs of
drinking water that has been bottled.
Students groups will spend two weeks researching the facts about this case study. Then share their
findings and recommendations on the class Wiki. One resource students can use for their research is
BottleBill, which provides current news and basic information.
Spring water - comes from the surface release of an underground aquifer.
Making Connections with Bottled Water and the Environment
This case study teaching strategy provides opportunities for problem solving and problem-based
learning in science for students as they develop a greater understanding of how convenience is not
necessarily good for the environment. After completion of the case study, students write a one-
paragraph press release that details the problems of recycling water bottles or identify and describe
one environmental issue associated with bottled water.
A fifth student shared that they really did not understand where all the water was coming from and
wondered about the impact of was on the areas from which it was removed.
The school principal announced that because the drinking fountains were removed, bottled water
purchased from hallway machines would only cost 25 cents and 50 cents in the cafeteria. The
principal also indicated that this action was a result of few students' drinking water from fountains
and almost all students brought their own water from home anyway. The principal also announced
that water fountains in the gym and physical education facilities were not removed for safety
reasons.
In science class, the teacher took the opportunity to hold a class discussion regarding bottled water

2. versus the environment. The student reactions during the discussion were mixed and some students
shared the prior knowledge and experiences (PKE) regarding the issue.
A second student shared that people spend a lot more of money for the convenience of bottles that.
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damaged gasoline tanks as well as
deteriorating hoses.are horrible for the environment, especially since most people do not recycle.
How can society be made more aware of the environmental problems associated with using plastic
or glass bottles for the water?
What are three ways people can help solve the environmental problems caused by water bottles?
A third student shared that it was better than water from a water fountain.
A fourth student shared that the landfills are filling quickly and all these empty plastic bottles are
contributing to an increase in air pollution and global warming.
Students noticed that in their school all the water fountains were removed over the latest holiday
break. This action by the school administration has caused many students to question why this
happened. Their only option for obtaining a drink of water is to purchase water from machines in the
hallways or in the cafeteria at lunch.
Mineral water - contains naturally occurring dissolved solids (>250 parts per million).
Students were divided into teams and provided with initial research questions designed to guide
their inquiry into the pros or cons of of the issue. These questions are:
Purified water - is often distilled, deionized, or filtered (reverse osmosis) to remove many of the

3. contaminants that may exist in tap water.
What are the environmental concerns?
The Case Study
Artesian water - comes from a confined aquifer between impervious layers of rock from which the
water flows naturally to the surface.
Health and Environmental Concerns About Bottled Water
Based on the class discussion, the science teacher discovered that some students had
misconceptions and others had questions that needed answers. The teacher decided to use the
discussion as a basis for a case study and let students research all the sides of this issue.
Sources of Bottled Water