Health and environmental impacts of drinking water choices in Barcelona, Spain: A modelling study

Quantitative evidence of health and environmental tradeoffs between individuals' drinking water choices is needed to inform decision-making. We evaluated impacts using impact life cycle assessment (HIA, LCA) methodologies applied data from Barcelona, Spain. estimated the four scenarios for Barcelona population: 1) currently observed sources; a complete shift 2) tap water; 3) bottled or 4) filtered water. local bladder cancer incidence attributable trihalomethane (THM) exposure, based on survey sources, THM levels, published exposure-response functions, disability-adjusted years (DALYs) Global Burden Disease 2017. (species lost/year, resources use) waste generation disposal, use electricity, chemicals, plastic produce LCA. The scenario where entire population consumed yielded lowest ecosystems resources, while drank highest (1400 3500 times higher species lost resource use, respectively). Meeting needs led DALYs (respectively, 140 9 lower than water) in population. Our study provides first attempt integrate HIA LCA compare individual consumption choices. results suggest that sustainability gain consuming public supply relative may exceed reduced risk due exposure Barcelona. analysis highlights several critical gaps methodological challenges quantifying integrated