Being healthy is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions, so it would be no surprise if people cut soda out of their diets and adopted water as their favorite drink. After all water does not contain caffeine, calories or sugar.

But, if its bottled water that you're after, then you may want to stop and consider adding another New Year's resolution to your list - becoming environmentally friendly by using tap water.

Why is it that we turn to bottled water?

It may be because the FDA sets regulations specifically for bottled water, so when we purchase it, we know it's safe to drink.

However, the standards for contaminants in tap water and bottled water are very similar. In fact, tap water from municipalities is regulated by the EPA.

Or could it be that bottled water is very convenient for us. We can grab a bottle on our way out the door rather than taking the time to fill up a reusable container. If we have a family, water bottles make it even more convenient for us.

But what about the cost?

If a 20-ounce bottle of water costs $1.25, you are looking at $8 a gallon. Compare that price to a gallon of gas, which probably costs around $1.80 these days.

In New York only 20 percent of plastic bottles purchased are recycled. The rest of them end up in the garbage, on the roadside or along a beach. Not to mention, that bottle of water took only minutes to drink but it will take a thousand years to biodegrade.

Yet, what if there was an incentive to recycling plastic bottles?

Many plastic bottles - including water bottles - are not included in the New York State Returnable Container Act, also known as the “Bottle Bill.” The bottle bill incorporated a 5 cent deposit on carbonated soft drinks, beer and malt beverages, mineral water, soda water and wine cooler containers in 1983. This bill has been a tremendous success but changes in the beverage market (increase in water bottles) have presented challenges.

The NYS Assembly has moved to take water bottles out of the waste stream and include them in a Bigger Better Bottle Bill. The bill passed the Assembly in 2008 but has not yet passed the Senate.

So, what can we do?

Keep your New Year's resolution of being healthy but add to that resolution by saying that you will become more environmentally friendly by reducing the number of plastic bottles you use by drinking tap water.

If you're concerned about the quality of water, understand that water coming from a public source must follow EPA drinking water standards.

If you have well water, test your water every year by sending it to a certified lab.

And if you still don't feel comfortable, consider purchasing a water filter, but remember to maintain it properly.

Oh, and one more thing - try using a reusable container. There are so many different styles that you can choose from.

Renee Jensen is a community educator of environmental issues at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County