Vast numbers of adults and children pack water bottles with them to sporting events, and outdoor activities. Many are concerned about the safety of bottled water and what harm will occur if the liquid inside a bottle is outdated or if the bottle is left in high temperature settings.
Bottled Water Safety Study
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, bottled spring water isn't necessarily safer than common tap water. A four-year test was conducted on the issue, which concluded that bottled water carries no qualifying assurance that it is safer to drink than water flowing from the kitchen sink. Most of the bottles of water, which were tested during the trial proved contaminant free, and of high quality. The NRDC also stated in the published report that no guarantees are implied by bottled water companies that the liquid sold in portable plastic water is any safer than regular tap water. The study found that approximately 25 percent of bottled water tested was essentially tap water in a bottle. Some of the bottled tap water had received further clarifying treatment.
Health Risks
The NRDC bottled water safety test also reported a possible health concern for at-risk groups of the population. Should certain brands of bottled water, which contain phthalates be consumed over an extended period, the chemical contaminants could induce cancer and related health problems. The report further advises to read all bottled water labels thoroughly before purchase.
Laws and Chemical Contaminants
Currently, legislation regarding the regulation of labeling and transporting of bottled water does not exist. Legal guidelines for any consumable substance must be followed for bottled water production. In the 1000 bottled water brands tested by the NRDC, chemicals such as arsenic, general bacteria and toluene were found in a small percentage of the bottled water.
EPA Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency does set standards for water sources, which includes a maximum contaminant level for distribution. The Food and Drug Administration establishes the guidelines for bottled water distributors, based upon existing EPA standards. According to the published bottled water facts by the EPA, "some bottled water is treated more than tap water, while some is treated less or not treated at all." Like the NRDC, the EPA urges consumers to read the label of bottled water carefully before drinking. A concern for individuals with weakened immune systems, and young children prompted a warning by the EPA to drink only high quality tap or bottled water.
Bottle Cleansing
Consumers of bottled water are urged by the NRDC to thoroughly wash all water bottles before re-using them as drinking containers. Chemicals present in the plastic will leak out over time, and the growth of bacteria inside the bottle can cause health risks. This warning is issued for any type of plastic bottle, be it water, iced tea or soda pop bottles purchased from a machine or convenience store. The International Bottled Water Association lists multiple links containing facts regarding safety practices and water quality information. Also included on the website is a consumer buyer's guide, and links to particular bottled water brand websites and voluntary testing results.
Tags: bottled water, bottled water, bottled water, bottled water, high quality, inside bottle, safer than