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MYTH #1: Bottled water is safer than tap.

TRUTH: The Environmental Protection Agency sets safety standards for tap water, and the Food and Drug Administration regulates bottled water — so both are safe to drink. Both types of water are allowed to have trace amounts of contaminants, like lead or bacteria, so neither is safer than the other. Read up on bottled water and your city's tap water at

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MYTH #2: You need eight glasses of water a day.

TRUTH: You might need eight glasses to stay hydrated; it depends on how active you are, your body size, and your environment. You're hydrated when your pee is pale yellow and you aren't thirsty (thirst is a sign of dehydration). Water isn't the only hydrating beverage; juice and sports drinks count too.

MYTH #3: All bottled water is the same.

TRUTH: Purified water (like Dasani ) is basically filtered tap water. Springwater (like Poland Spring) and artesian water (like Fiji) come from sources inside the earth. Mineral water (like Evian) is also from a source in the earth, but it has more natural minerals than springwater. They may taste different, but they're all safe.

MYTH #4: Bottled water is bad for your teeth.

TRUTH: Many towns add fluoride to their tap water to improve dental health, so some dentists worry that people who just drink bottled water will be more likely to get cavities. But you get fluoride from things like soup or pasta made with tap water, and most toothpastes have fluoride. Still, if you never drink tap water, be sure to tell your dentist so she can help keep your smile healthy.

MYTH #5: Water with flavor or vitamins is as healthy as or healthier than plain water.

TRUTH: Drinking flavored water is better than drinking no water, but plain water is best because it's calorie-free (a 20-ounce bottle of Glaceau Vitamin Water has more calories than a can of soda!). Don't like plain water? Pick a flavored one with fewer than 10 calories per serving, like Propel Fitness Water.

BOTTOM LINE: Bottled water and tap water are equally safe, so choose the one that tastes best to you. If you'd rather not spend money, tap is always, well, on tap!