Stricter Labeling Urged for Bottled Water

Bottled water companies might be looking at new standards for the information that needs to appear on their labels.  As many people know, the water we get from our tap and the water coming  from bottling companies is processed differently.  People assume that because it is “purified”/ “spring” water that comes in a bottle, that it must be better than the water from the sink.  However tap water is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and strictly enforces the rules and standards for their water.  Bottled water on the other hand is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and although their policies on water regulation are similar to the EPA’s, the FDA’s does not have the power to enforce them.

Information on municipal water is readily available and that is water we get for almost free.  For as long as bottled water has been around one would think that it would be more closely monitored and regulated than it is.  For a “$16 billion” industry, it would be a devastating blow if information was released stating the water they were bottling was not as clear or pure at the municipal tap we receive.  The FDA is now going to required that a label be put on every bottle stating where consumers can find information about how the water is processed and regulated.  If we are paying such premiums for this water I think it is necessary that the processing of it is more rigorous that EPA’s regulation of municipal tap water. I mean that is what we are paying for isn’t it?  In such an economic recession maybe the better option is to back off of this bottled water, especially if it might not be that beneficial for you anyway.  The labeling regulations that will be the new standard for bottled water might be just enough incentive for the companies to actually make sure their water is processed properly.  If consumers see information that is dissatisfactory it could leave the industry with a big problem on its hands and a great loss in revenue. 

Stephen Killion and Jason Kletzky

http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1909297,00.html