BOTTLED WATER – KNOW WHAT YOU ARE BUYING

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　　Understanding What’s in Your Bottled Water Purchase

　　Understanding Bottled Water

　　Bottled water has surged in popularity, becoming the fastest-growing beverage choice in the United States. Each year, Americans spend billions of dollars on this product (Beverage Marketing Corporation, 2004). Consumers opt for bottled water for various reasons: some as a substitute for other drinks, others because of its taste preference, and many because they perceive it as safer than tap water.

　　Bottled Water Labels and Characteristics

　　To gauge the quality of bottled water, it’s essential to read the label, which offers insights into the water’s characteristics, source, and treatment methods. Labels typically include the volume of water, nutritional claims, bottler contact information, and details about the water type, source, and treatment process. For more specific details, direct contact with the bottler may be necessary.

　　Types of Bottled Water

  • 　　Artesian Water, Ground Water, Spring Water, Well Water: These terms refer to water from an underground aquifer, which may or may not be treated. Well water and artesian water are accessed through a well, while spring water is collected as it emerges or through boreholes. Ground water can be either.

  • 　　Distilled Water: This type of water is created by recondensing steam from boiling water, a process that kills microbes and removes natural minerals, resulting in a flat taste.

  • 　　Drinking Water: This is water intended for human consumption, sealed in bottles or containers, and may optionally contain safe disinfectants. Fluoride can also be added within the limits set by bottled water quality standards.

  • 　　Mineral Water: Ground water with a natural content of 250 or more parts per million of total dissolved solids.

  • 　　Purified Water: Originating from any source, this water has been treated to meet the U.S. Pharmacopeia definition of purified water, essentially free of chemicals and may also be free of microbes if treated by distillation or reverse osmosis.

  • 　　Sterile Water: Water treated to meet U.S. Pharmacopeia standards for sterilization, free from all microbes.

　　Labeling and Regulation

　　Bottlers use identifiers, dictated by FDA regulations, to describe their water. However, the terms might not align with common expectations. They refer to both the water’s geological source and treatment methods, not necessarily its geographic location or quality. For example, "spring water" can be collected from the earth’s surface or from a borehole tapping into an underground source. Terms like "glacier water" or "mountain water" are not standardized and don’t guarantee the water’s purity.

　　Bottled water labels must state the type of water (spring, mineral, or drinking) and the source if it’s from a public water system and not treated to meet FDA standards for "purified" or "sterile" water. Carbonated water and similar products are classified as soft drinks and not regulated as bottled water.

　　Certification and Quality Assurance

　　Neither the EPA nor the FDA certifies bottled water directly. Consumers can verify if bottlers are members of the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA), a trade organization with stringent standards. IBWA members adhere to a "model code" and undergo annual third-party inspections. Bottlers often indicate IBWA membership on their labels. NSF International also certifies bottled water, ensuring compliance with FDA requirements and good manufacturing practices through unannounced annual plant inspections.

　　Label Requirements and Safety

　　Bottles must display the product name, type of water, manufacturer’s name and address, and net content. For peace of mind regarding water safety and contamination, consumers should contact the bottler for the latest testing results and inquire about treatment methods used to remove contaminants.

　　The Bottled Water Purification Process

　　Contaminants in Bottled Water

　　Common Bottled Water Treatment Methods

　　The Importance of Reading Labels

　　Understanding Water Sources

　　The Role of Certification Bodies

　　Conclusion

　　In conclusion, understanding what you’re buying when it comes to bottled water is crucial. By examining the label, knowing the different types of water, and understanding the role of certification bodies, consumers can make informed choices about their drinking water. Always feel free to reach out to the bottler for more detailed information to ensure the water you drink meets your safety and quality standards.

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