Here are some of the common myths of bottled water. Of special interest are the comparisons between bottled water regulations and the regulation of municipal, or “tap” water. If there is additional information that would help answer any questions that you may have, please use the “contact us” form, or give us a call. We look forward to helping dispel the myths surrounding bottled water.

Myth: 
Bottled water is not regulated: bottlers can take water straight out of the tap, bottle it and sell it “as is.”
Fact:
No. The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified bottled water as a food. Section 401 of the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act forbids the sale of unsafe food. All bottled water, including mineral water, must be processed and packaged in accordance with FDA Good Manufacturing Practice Regulations (GMPs), as well as any other regulations prescribed by local governments, or country of origin.

Myth: 
All you have to do to get into the bottled water business is buy a spring and start bottling.
Fact:
There is much more to it than just bottling the water. Extensive technical expertise is necessary. Financially, a substantial capital investment is involved and competition can be intense. Clearly, consumer confidence and trust, like the water being produced, are invaluable and irreplaceable. As a result of this attention to detail, the bottled water industry has had double-digit growth for most of the last 15 years, and it remains the fastest growing beverage in the country.

Myth:
Tap water is better regulated than bottled water.
Fact:
No. In fact, bottled water is more stringently regulated than tap water. Both must adhere to practices established in the Safe Drinking Water Act, but the industry has gone a step further. Our industry has successfully promoted the strengthening of bottled water regulation on a national, state and local basis. These regulations would require more current and detailed inspections of bottling plants, more detailed sampling and testing of bottled water products, specific definitions of the various types of water listed on bottle labels, testing for contaminants listed but not yet regulated by the EPA and a general updating of FDA regulations as they relate to bottled water.