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). 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.  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 complywith 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. 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. |