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Bottled Water Safety

It's convenient and portable, and according to the International Bottled Water Association, bottled water is the second most popular beverage in the United States. During natural disasters and emergencies, people depend upon bottled water for safe drinking water.

• It's always there when you need it.

Regulations Ensure Safety

Bottled drinking water is comprehensively regulated by federal, state and industry agencies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates bottled water as a packaged food product. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates public drinking water supplies (tap water). By law, FDA bottled water standards must be at least as stringent and protective of the public health as the EPA's tap-water regulations.

For bottled water companies that choose to become members of the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA), IBWA ensures its members comply with its Bottled Water Code Of Practice. IBWA hires a nationally recognized, third-party organization to conduct mandatory, unannounced plant inspections annually and a comprehensive audit. In several cases IBWA's Bottled Water Code Of Practice is stricter than FDA, EPA and state standards, including testing and monitoring levels that exceed FDA requirements.

• Nicolet Forest Bottling Company is an IBWA member.

Packaging

Some current research suggests there may be health-risk concerns from the plastics used for bottled water containers, specifically some endocrine-disrupting compounds like phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA) and DHEP. There is much to learn about safe levels, long-term exposure and bioaccumulation of these compounds, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to study this. For now, the FDA has determined plastic made with bisphenol A (BPA) is safe for use in food and beverage packaging.

• Learn more about bisphenol A (BPA) at FAQ Types of Bottles Question 5

Nicolet Forest Bottling Company is closely monitoring the emerging research and discussions about plastic packaging, and is considering practical alternatives.

• We are adding bisphenol A-free 3-gallon and 5-gallon water bottles to our inventory to meet customers' preferences.

We also urge consumers to keep issues in perspective, and think about how and how much you use packaged food and beverages.

• Bottled water is one of thousands of beverage and food products packaged in plastics the FDA has deemed safe.
• Some public health officials note that we are at greater risk from microbial contaminants (germs) than chemicals. When we reuse bottles that were made for a single use we increase our exposure to microbes.

Smart Use

Nicolet Forest Bottling Company urges you to use beverage and food containers as they were originally intended, practice moderation and apply common sense. Here are some suggestions:

• Store all sizes of bottled water full or empty out of direct sunlight, preferably in a cool, dark place, and where they will not freeze.
• Do not reuse containers that were intended for a single use, like single-serve bottled water. Recycle them!
• Buy bottled water in 3-gallon or 5-gallon containers to fill reusable containers to carry with you, limiting the amount of plastic you consume.
• When possible use glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers, particularly for hot food and liquids.
• Don't microwave polycarbonate plastic (PC, #7) food containers. They are strong and durable, but over time may break down from repeated use at high temperatures.
• Don't wash polycarbonate plastic (PC, #7) containers in the dishwasher with harsh detergents.
• Reduce your use of canned foods and beverages. Eat fresh or frozen foods.

Ground Water Resource

The bottled water industry uses minimal amounts of ground water, and is dwarfed by the amount energy, manufacturing, agriculture and food processing use.

• Bottled water accounts for only .0003 percent of the 79.4 billion gallons of water withdrawn from ground sources each day, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Yet managing this precious resource is important. So the bottled water industry has been instrumental in encouraging states to develop comprehensive, science-based, ground-water management and sustainability policies and laws. These need to consider all users and treat them all equitably.

As part of the state permitting process, bottlers are required to perform extensive hydrogeological testing and continuously monitor their source and surrounding water features to ensure there is no adverse impact.

Resources About Bottled Water Safety

EPA Drinking Water and Health: What You Need To Know

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets the health and safety standards for public drinking water on which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) bases its quality requirements for bottled water. Bottled water sources must meet EPA's public drinking water standards. This EPA web page provides links to information about drinking water safety, including bottled water.

EPA Bottled Water Basics
An easy-to-read, downloadable brochure about bottled water, including the definitions of the types of bottled water and more sources of information.

FDA Bottled Water Regulations
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates bottled water as a packaged food product. At this web page you will find links to FDA regulations and rules governing bottled water.

• Also see this page that outlines the bottled water types FDA oversees: FDA Regulates The Safety Of Bottled Water

WHO Bottled Drinking Water
A World Health Organization (WHO) fact sheet about the safety of packaged water worldwide and WHO's guidelines for drinking water quality.

Drinking Water Research Foundation
The Drinking Water Research Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1984 to sponsor peer-reviewed scientific research and provide information to consumers that addresses the production of safe and affordable drinking water, including bottled water, tap water and filtered water. View its Web site thefactsaboutwater.org.

• A downloadable report by the Drinking Water Research Foundation: Recent Developments In Bottled Water Quality And Safety, 2004

IBWA The Facts About Bottled Water
The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) is a trade organization representing the bottled water industry. This downloadable brochure addresses how much water we need to drink, bottled water regulations, path to market including the bottling process, and bottled water's impact on the environment. For more information, visit IBWA's Web site bottledwater.org.

IBWA Regulation Overview/Fact Sheet
The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) is a trade organization representing the bottled water industry. This fact sheet explains the regulation process through all levels.

Bottled Water Matters
Bottled Water Matters is a coalition formed in 2007 by the International Bottled Water Association and offers consumers an interactive Web site, bottledwatermatters.com. It gives bottled water consumers a voice to share their ideas about bottled water safety, healthy beverage choices and commitment to recycling.

NSF Bottled Water Frequently Asked Questions
NSF International is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that provides third-party, conformity assessment services for the bottled water industry and other industries. At the bottled water section of its Web site you can read about bottled water safety, regulation, the types of contaminants for which bottled water is inspected, NSF's Bottled Water Certification Program, how bottled water and tap water differ, proper storage and more.

Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC): Issues - Bottled Water
Questions and answers about bottled water safety, sources and environmental impacts, including results from NRDC's studies.

Is Tap Water Safer Than Bottled?
A Consumer Reports July 10, 2009 article.

Tons of Released Drugs Taint U.S. Water
An April 10, 2009 article by the U.S. News and World Report.