Authorities say the preference for bottled water is not just costly for consumers but the environment as well.
But an investigation by consumer advocate group CHOICE, has found that some beverage brands are promoting dubious claims.
CHOICE's investigative journalist, Kate Browne, says that while Australians believe bottled water is safer than tap water, bottled water manufacturers are only required to test their products once a year.
Tap water, however is tested regularly.
And as Peter Hadfield from Sydney Water points out, it's impact is all too evident in the morning litter clean-up of the Cooks River in Sydney's south-east.
CHOICE found that when it came to label promotions, claims got a little murky.
Some brands boast of such things as oxygen-infusion that benefits endurance, mental focus and recovery -- or health-giving salts that replenish and cleanse the body.
But the truth, according to CHOICE, is there actually just as much oxygen and more minerals found -- in plain old tap water.
As Peter Hadfield points out, the reality is the H2O from the tap here is actually more closely scrutinised than anything sold on the shelves.
