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Many people choose to drink bottled water instead of public drinking water. For many people this is because of:
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Taste considerations. When people say their water has a taste, what they taste are the minerals that may be in their tap water. Minerals that naturally occur in water include magnesium, calcium, sodium, copper, fluoride, iron and uranium. Certain types of bottled water remove these minerals from the water, leaving it with no taste.
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Perception that bottled water is better than tap water.
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Health considerations. Certain people may be susceptible to particular contaminants in public drinking water. This may include children or anyone with a weakened immune system (e.g., due to chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s disease, lupus, organ transplant). These people may choose to use bottled water instead of public drinking water.
Bottled water costs more than public water. Consumers may want to factor in financial cost when considering whether to drink bottled water, filtered tap water, unfiltered tap water or a combination of these.
Bottled water is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Bottled water must follow processing, packaging, shipping and storage rules for safety and sanitation. It must be truthfully labeled and meet FDA standards of contaminant levels, which are set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). States may have additional regulations for bottled water sold within their borders.
Bottled water does not usually contain chlorine, but it may if it is bottled from a public drinking water source. Sweeteners are prohibited in bottled water. Additives, such as flavors, extracts or essences from food or spices, cannot exceed 1 percent by weight. Some beverages appear to be a type of water but are not considered water by the FDA. These include tonic water, sparkling water, seltzer water, soda water and club soda. These products are considered soft drinks.
Bottled water may have different names, depending upon its source, how it is obtained and processed, and whether it contains additives. The FDA does not regulate bottled water sold outside the United States.
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Type
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Description
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Artesian water
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A certain type of well water from a confined aquifer (underground layer of porous rock, sand and earth that contain water). When tapped, the pressure in the aquifer pushes the water level up, sometimes to the surface. Other means may be used to bring water to the surface, although mechanical pumping is not used. |
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Distilled water
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A type of purified water that has been evaporated into steam. The minerals are left behind because they are too heavy to vaporize. It is then condensed again into water.
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Drinking water
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Bottled water from an approved source that meets state and federal standards. It is minimally filtrated and disinfected. It does not have any sweeteners or additives. |
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Flavored water
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Water that has natural flavors added to enhance taste. However, if sugar or artificial sweeteners are added, it no longer meets the FDA definition of water and is considered a dietary supplement. |
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Fluoridated water
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Water that has naturally occurring fluoride or contains added fluoride. This type of water is often marketed and labeled as pediatric or nursery water.
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Mineral water
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Ground water that contains naturally present minerals (minerals may not be added to the product). The standard level is at least 250 parts per million (ppm) of total dissolved solids (minerals and trace elements). “Low mineral content” water has less than 500 ppm and ”high mineral content” water has more than 1,500 ppm.
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Oxygenated or oxygen-enhanced water
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Extra oxygen (the amount of one breath) is forced into water under pressure. This type of water is not considered an effective method of getting oxygen to the lungs because the oxygen will most likely bubble out of the bottle once opened. Any oxygen remaining would be absorbed by the intestines, not the lungs.
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purified water
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Water processed by distillation, deionization, reverse osmosis or other process to remove minerals and other solids. This type of water is essentially free of all chemicals. If treated by distillation or reverse osmosis, it may also be free of microbes. |
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sparkling water
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Water that is naturally carbonated or contains added carbon dioxide to make it fizzy. If added, carbon dioxide cannot be added in amounts more than its naturally carbonated level. There is no added sugar or calories, as there may be in soft drinks such as tonic water or club soda.
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Spring water
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Water from an underground source that flows naturally to the surface. It is collected at the spring or through borehole tapping of the underground source. If external force is used, the water retrieved must have same composition and qualities as naturally flowing spring water.
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Sterile water
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Water from any source treated to meet U.S. Pharmacopeia standards for commercial sterility. It is free of bacteria and often marketed for use with infant formula. |
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Well water
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Water collected from an underground aquifer using a mechanical pump.
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The FDA prohibits health or medical claims about bottled water. Bottled water has not been proven useful for therapeutic purposes.
Unopened bottled water can be stored indefinitely in a dry place, out of direct sunlight. It should not be stored near chemicals (e.g., paints, gasoline, cleaning supplies) or in a garage or storage shed. It is recommended that emergency bottled water supplies be replaced every year. Under certain conditions, bottled water with acceptable levels of microorganisms may become unsafe with time as these contaminants have a chance to grow. If contamination is suspected, it is recommended that water be discarded or boiled before use. |
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