Today's consumer is an informed consumer. But with so many choices, making the right decision can sometimes be a challenge. To help you through this maze, the Canadian Bottled Water Association has compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about bottled water. We hope that with this information, you will be able to make the right choice for you and your family
1) What are the different types of bottled water?
2) Is bottled water different from tap water?
3) Is bottled water regulated?
4) Is bottled water regulated differently than tap water?
5) Are imported bottled water regulations the same as domestic ones?
6) How do I know my bottled water is safe?
7) I've heard of cryptosporidium and giardia being found in tap water. What are they?
8) How do I know that cryptosporidium and giardia are not in my bottled water?
9) Are water filters affective in removing cryptosporidium and giardia?
10) How long can I store bottled water?
11) What is the proper way to store bottled water?
12) How can I find out if the bottled water I drink is a member of the CBWA?
1) What are the different types of bottled water?
Water is classified a "bottled water" if it meets all applicable federal and provincial regulations for potable water, is sealed in a sanitary container and is sold for human consumption. Bottled water can not contain sweeteners or chemical additives and must be calorie free and sugar free.
There are several different varieties of bottled water:
Spring Water: Bottled water derived from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface of the earth. Spring water must be collected only at the spring or though a borehole tapping the underground formation finding the spring. There must be natural force causing the water to flow to the surface through a natural orifice. Spring water collected with use of external force must be from the same underground stratum as the spring and must have all the same physical properties and be of the same composition and quality of the water that flows naturally to the surface. Spring water must contain less than 500 parts per million (ppm) of total dissolved solids.
Mineral Water: Bottled water which would meet the definition of spring water except it contains more then 500 ppm of total dissolved solids.
Well Water: Bottled water which would meet the definition of spring water except it does not flow naturally to the surface of the earth . Instead it is tapped from a hole bored, drilled or otherwise constructed.
Artesian Water: Bottled water which would meet the definition of well water except it taps a confined aquifer in which the water level starts above the top of the aquifer. Another suitable name is "Artesian Well Water".
Purified Water: Bottled water that has been produced by distillation, deionization or reverse osmosis. The source can be from a spring, well or a public community water supply. Other suitable names for bottled water produced by one of the above processes include "Distilled Water", Deionized Water" and "Reverse Osmosis Water".
Carbonated Bottled Water: Bottled water that contains natural or added carbonation. Soda water, seltzer water and tonic water are considered soft drinks, not bottled water.
2) Is bottled water different from tap water?
Yes. Bottled water is different from tap water in many ways. One major difference is the source water. Municipalities generally draw their water supply from surface water (lakes, rivers, etc.) which may be subject to contamination. Most bottled water (more than 75%) originates from protected underground sources. The distribution systems for tap and bottled water are a second important difference. While municipal water distribution systems often rely on kilometers of antiquated piping, bottled water products are produced in food plants and packaged in clean, sealed containers. Lastly, bottled water does not contain any chlorine or chlorine by-products (trihalomethanes or THM's). Instead of chlorine, many bottlers use ozone, a form of oxygen, or ultraviolet light to ensure there are no bacteria present. In addition, chlorinated tap water sometimes contains an off taste or odor which is not present in bottled water. Lead and aluminum are also found in tap water but not in bottled water.
3) Is bottled water regulated?
Yes. Bottled water is extensively regulated on three levels: federal, provincial and industry association
Federal Regulations: Bottled water is regulated as a food product under the federal Food and Drugs Act. Bottled water companies must adhere to quality standards, good manufacturing practices and labeling requirements. The federal government inspectors of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency regularly audit the operations of all bottled water companies to ensure compliance.
Quality Standards: All bottled water products must comply with Division 12 of the Food and Drugs Act, which provides for water composition, labeling and microbiological standards.
Good Manufacturing Practices: All bottled water products must comply with both the general food good manufacturing practices (GMP's) and GMP's specific to bottled water. General food GMP's govern such areas as plant and ground maintenance, sanitary facilities including water supply, plumbing and sewage disposal. Bottled water GMP's provide detailed regulations governing plant construction design, sanitary facilities and operations, equipment design and construction, production and process controls specific to the product and processing of bottled water and record keeping.
Labeling Requirements: All bottled water products must comply with Food and Drug Act regulations that require declarations on the packaging of the type of bottled water, the source, the amount of dissolved solids (total and same individual minerals) and any treatment the water has undergone.
Provincial Regulations: In addition to the extensive federal regulatory requirements, the provinces can also regulate bottled waters. The most significant responsibility of the provinces is approving sources of water, including drilling practices, borehole construction practices, and allowable rates of production and watershed protection.
CBWA Regulations: In addition to comprehensive federal and provincial regulations, CBWA bottler members are subject to another level of regulation involving third-party inspections, water testing and analysis and adherence to the CBWA Model Code.
Third-Party Plant Inspection: As a condition of membership, bottlers must pass -with an 85% score - an annual, unannounced plant inspection administered by an independent, internationally recognized organization. This inspection audits quality and testing records, reviews all areas of plant operation from source through finished product, and checks adherence to CBWA Model Code (see below) Water Testing and Analysis: As another condition of membership, bottlers must pass an annual water analysis administered by an independent laboratory - covering more than 150 possible contaminants - and regularly conduct microbial testing using qualified personnel.
Model Code: CBWA has established a quality assurance program called the Model Code. The Model Code establishes tougher requirements than federal and provincial authorities. A key aspect of the Model Code is multiple barrier protection, wherein bottlers may employ a combination of safeguards, such as source protection and monitoring, ozonation, carbonation, distillation, reverse osmosis and micronfiltration to ensure protection from harmful bacteria and surface water organisms.
4) Is bottled water regulated differently than tap water?
Yes. Bottled water is extensively regulated as a food product by federal, provincial and association standards. Tap water by contrast is only regulated as a utility by the provinces. Although the federal government established the Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines, they have only been legislated in several provinces and remain legally unenforceable elsewhere. By contrast bottled water regulations are legally enforceable throughout Canada.
5) Are imported bottled water regulations the same as domestic ones?
Yes. Any imported bottled water sold in Canada must meet all the same regulations as domestically produced bottled water. International bottler members of CBWA that sell products in Canada must adhere to the same standards as domestic bottlers.
6) How do I know my bottled water is safe?
Consumers can trust that bottled water is safe because of extensive regulatory requirements at the federal and provincial levels which all bottled waters must adhere to. According to Health Canada there have been no reports of illness due to non-coliform bacteria in bottled water. Consumers looking for added quality assurance should select bottled water by members of CBWA who produce 85% of the bottled water in Canada. CBWA standards exceed those of the federal and provincial governments. To find out if your favourite bottled water product is produced by a CBWA member, go to the Brand Names You Can Trust section which is updated regularly.
Bottled water is recommended for individuals with suppressed or compromised immune systems (e.g., cancer, HIV/AIDS, transplant patients, and the elderly) by the following:
- Health Canada
- U.S. and Canadian Centers for Disease Control
- A variety of HIV/AIDS organizations
7) I've heard of cryptosporidium and giardia being found in tap water. What are they?
Cryptosporidium is a water borne parasite that lives in hooved animals and can be passed into surface water through their waste. Cryptosporidium from animal wastes have been found in rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, and many other types of surface water. Infection can last for months and can be fatal.
Giardia is a waterborne parasite that can be found in a number of animal species other than humans. The deposition of cysts by beavers, dogs, etc. in surface water or a wasteshed poses a problem. Ingestion by humans of one or more cysts may cause disease, as contrasted to most bacterial illnesses where hundreds to thousands of organisms must be consumed to produce illness. Normally illness lasts for 1 to 2 weeks, but there are cases of chronic infections lasting months to years.
If the water is for human consumption, simply adding chlorine in amounts used for control of bacteria in tape water will not destroy cryptosporidium or giardia
8) How do I know that cryptosporidium and giardia are not in my bottled water?
Consumers can be assured that bottled water produced by CBWA members does not contain cryptosporidium or giardia because under the CBWA Model Code (see above) they are required to use water only from approved sources. There are two types of approved sources. The first, used by about 75% of companies, are underground sources (i.e., springs and wells). These underground sources must be protected from surface infiltration and intrusion from other environmental influences. The second type of approved sources are potable municipal supplies. Bottled water companies that use municipal sources are required under the CBWA Model Code to reprocess this water using distillation, reverse osmosis, deionization, and micronfiltration. These requirements ensure consumers that cryptosporidium and giardia are not present in bottled water produced by CBWA members.
9) Are water filters affective in removing cryptosporidium and giardia?
Many water filters are not effective in removing cryptosporidium and giardia. The portable jug-type filters available at most stores cannot remove these parasites. Only filtration devices tested and certified to ANSI/NSF Standard 53 remove cryptosporidium and giardia. Reverse osmosis devices must be tested and certified to ANSI/NSF Standard 58 to remove cryptosporidium and giardia.
10) How long can I store bottled water?
The current regulations do not establish a shelf life for bottled water. Bottled water can be used indefinitely if stored properly. The CBWA Model Code recommends two years.
11) What is the proper way to store bottled water?
Bottled water should be stored in a cool (i.e. room temperature), dry environment away from direct sunlight and chemicals such as household cleaning products and away from solvents such as gasoline, paint thinners and other toxic materials.
12) How can I find out if the bottled water I drink is a member of the CBWA?
The easiest way to find out if your favourite bottled water brand is a member is by going to the Brand Names You Can Trust section which is updated regularly
