The benefits of having water available are well known whether you are traveling or are working out. Staying properly hydrated can help you avoid the health effects of becoming dehydrated. Bottled water offers a convenient option when you are on the go. In 2009, Americans consumed more than 8 billion gallons of bottled water, according to the International Bottled Water Association. This staggering figure actually represents a 2.5 percent drop from 2008 figures. The question remains if safety concerns are impacting bottled water sales.
Public Perception
The public perception of bottled water may fall into two categories. Some individuals may prefer bottled water because of safety concerns over tap water. A 2006 study by the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom also identified dissatisfaction with elements such as taste playing a role in swaying consumers to choose bottled over tap water. Other individuals may view bottled water with more skepticism, citing the higher cost and the perception that bottled water is merely bottled tap water.
FDA Labeling Requirements
Part of the safety concerns regarding bottled water may involve its source. This type of information is often a strong selling point with some bottlers who tout the benefits of one source over another. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration provides clear guidelines regarding how bottled water is labeled to help consumers make good choices. Water labeled "Spring Water" must come from a naturally flowing, underground source. Likewise, water labeled "Artesian Water" must come from a confined aquifer. The inclusion of the term "confined" distinguishes this type of water from well water.
Safety Issues
Drinking water is regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the FDA. Even with regulations in place, illnesses stemming from unsafe water have occurred. A 2006 study by the EPA reported that more than 880,000 cases of waterborne illnesses have occurred from 1920 to 2002 due to drinking water quality issues, resulting in an average of 10,648 cases each year. Bottled water, on the other hand, has no documented cases of major disease outbreaks. The FDA has issued recalls on products, including a May 2011 recall of Mountain Pure drinking water due to the presence of biological contamination.
Emergency Water Source
Bottled water can help ensure the safety of drinking water when other events such as natural disasters compromise the quality of municipal or well water sources. The FDA recommends that consumers keep bottled water on hand in the case of an emergency such as a flood. During a flood event, septic tanks may become flooded, unleashing toxins into the drinking water system. Bottled water may provide the only available safe source. With stricter regulation, the safety concerns of bottled water are virtually nonexistent.
References
- International Bottled Water Association; Challenging Circumstances Persist - Future Growth Anticipated; J. Rodwan, Jr.; April-May 2010
- "Journal of Water and Health"; Bottled Water versus Tap Water: Understanding Consumers' Preferences; M. Doria; June 2006
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration; FDA Regulates the Safety of Bottled Water Beverages Including Flavored Water and Nutrient-Added Water Beverages; May 11, 2011
- "Journal of Water and Health"; Waterborne Outbreaks Reported in the United States; M. Craun, et al.; 2006
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Bottled Water Recall Recalled Lots Include Water Distributed During Recovery Effort in Clinton; May 4, 2011
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration; FDA Warns Consumers of Potential Food Safety Risks During Storm-Related Power Outages and Flooding; September 1, 2006
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