Bottled Water Versus the Environment Case Study

Questions and Concerns of Pure Water or Pure Hype in a Bottle

Jun 14, 2009
David R. Wetzel

Plastic Bottled Water Science Project - Simon Tullstedt

Students use problem-based learning strategies and techniques to develop findings and make recommendations, along with preparing a press release in this 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.

Actions Leading to the Bottled Water Case Study

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.

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.

Health and Environmental Concerns About Bottled Water

In science class, the teacher took the opportunity to hold a class discussion regarding bottled water versus the environment. The student reactions during the discussion were mixed and some students shared the prior knowledge and experiences (PKE) regarding the issue.

One student shared that tap water is frequently tested to maintain public health and safety, bottled water has no guidelines for testing?

A second student shared that people spend a lot more of money for the convenience of bottles that are horrible for the environment, especially since most people do not recycle.

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.

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 Case Study

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.

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:

Is bottled water better or healthier than tap water?
What are the environmental concerns?
How can society be made more aware of the environmental problems associated with using plastic or glass bottles for the water?
What will be the future impact on the environment if this trend continues?
What are three ways people can help solve the environmental problems caused by water bottles?

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.

Sources of Bottled Water

Labels provide information as to the source of the water in the bottle.

Purified water – is often distilled, deionized, or filtered (reverse osmosis) to remove many of the contaminants that may exist in tap water.
Sparkling water – is water that has been treated and carbon dioxide is added.
Spring water – comes from the surface release of an underground aquifer.
Well water – comes from an aquifer into which a well has been drilled and water is mechanically pumped to the surface.
Artesian water – comes from a confined aquifer between impervious layers of rock from which the water flows naturally to the surface.
Mineral water – contains naturally occurring dissolved solids (>250 parts per million).

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.