JB Water Distillers

Bottled water products are normally categorized according to the source of the water and the
methods used by the bottler to treat it.

Bottled water products are generally required to undergo disinfection. Bottlers who obtain water from a
source that has not previously been disinfected, such as a spring or well, usually use ozone or ultraviolet to
disinfect the water, as these processes do not normally leave a residual taste or odor in the water. Bottled water companies can also purchase their source water from an approved potable water source, such as a municipal water supply. Some bottled water companies choose to further treat their products, using treatment processes such as filtration, reverse osmosis or distillation.

Although federal laws do not require the bottler to list any
naturally occurring compounds on the product label, such as
sulfates or sodium, any ingredients added to the bottled water must
be stated on the label. Any naturally occurring or added ingredients
cannot exceed the maximum levels permitted by the applicable
federal or state regulations.

Standards of Identity
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established “Standards
of Identity” for bottled water sold in the U.S. Below are several
common identities:

Artesian Water – originates from a confined aquifer that has been
tapped and in which the water level stands at some height above the
top of the aquifer.

Fluoridated – contains fluoride added within FDA limitations.
May be labeled as “For Infants” or “Nursery.”

Mineral Water – naturally contains at least 250 parts per million total dissolved solids (TDS). No minerals
may be added to this water.

Purified Water – is produced by distillation, deionization, reverse osmosis, or other suitable processes.
It meets the definition of “purified water” in the United States Pharmacopoeia.

Spring Water – comes from an underground formation from which water flows naturally
to the Earth’s surface.

Is bottled water regulated?
Yes. While tap is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), bottled water falls
under the regulation of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Many states also have
additional monitoring and licensing requirements for bottled water sold within their borders.

Is bottled water free of lead and other contaminants?
Not necessarily. Bottled water does not have to be contaminant free,
but it cannot contain any contaminant at a level that exceeds the
FDA or state’s maximum allowable amount. To learn more about the
quality of a particular brand, contact the bottler and request a copy
of their most recent water quality analysis.

Why should I care if my bottled water is certified?
While the FDA does require bottled water companies to monitor
and conduct regular testing of their products, it isn’t required that
they have independent audits or product quality testing by a third
party. Companies that do so are taking an extra step to provide their
customers with added assurance that their products comply with all
applicable state and federal regulations.

Which is better, bottled or tap?
Just as tap water quality varies from city to city, bottled water quality
will vary from one product to the next, depending upon the quality
of the source water and the treatment it undergoes at the bottling
facility. Consumers can request a copy of their city’s annual water
quality report as well as a detailed independent analysis from
their favorite bottled water company. The two reports can then
be compared to determine which product best meets personal needs.

How long can I store bottled water?
Unopened bottled water products can usually be stored indefinitely, provided the bottles are kept
in the proper environment. Keep bottled water away from chemicals, such as cleaning compounds,
paints or gasoline. In addition, don’t store bottled water in a garage or storage shed. If you
suspect any of your stored bottled water has become contaminated (smells funny, showing
algae growth, etc.), discard or boil it before using it in an emergency.