Concordia University study finds convenience drives bottled water use

A large-scale study led by Concordia University researcher Sarah Sajedi reveals that consumers continue to use single-use bottled water despite awareness of environmental damage and potential health risks, such as exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics.

Surveying approximately 15,000 people across 81 countries—with a majority from Canada and the United States—the research identified three primary drivers for bottled water consumption: perceived convenience, influence from marketing, and concerns regarding the safety of local tap water.

The study suggests that consumption patterns are shaped by a complex mix of demographic, infrastructural, and geographic factors, including age, education levels, and access to reliable drinking water.