Contamination of public water supply systems is a very real threat (Flint, we are looking at you), but unfortunately, bottled water isn't always safer.

For years, we have known that much of the bottled water on the market is simply tap water that has been purified, poured into bottles with pretty labels, and sold for a hefty price. In other words, you could do the same thing with your faucet and a Big Berkey.

There are many contaminants that can be found in both tap and bottled water, including lead, pesticides, bacteria, nitrates, nitrites, chlorine, parasites, and arsenic.

An investigation found arsenic in several brands of bottled water.

Speaking of arsenic, a new investigation from Consumer Reports identified 11 brands of bottled water that contain detectable amounts of the naturally occurring (and toxic) element.

We will get back to that report in a moment, but first, here's a bit about arsenic, in case you aren't familiar with it and why it is something you don't want in your drinking water. The following is an excerpt from Daisy Luther's book, The Prepper's Water Survival Guide:

This naturally-occurring element is found in rocks, soil, water, air, plants, and animals. Natural events like volcanic activity, forest fires, and erosion of rocks can cause it to be actively released into the environment. Arsenic is also used in agricultural and industrial practices and is used in some fertilizers, paints, dyes, metals, drugs, and soaps. It is also used as a wood preservative and can be released by mining and coal burning.

Arsenic is highly toxic and can affect nearly every organ system in the body.