Is bottled water different from tap water?

Yes! Bottled water is different from tap water in many ways. One major difference between the two 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 have a second important difference. While municipal water distribution systems often rely on many kilometers of antiquated piping, bottled water products are produced in food plants and packaged in clean, sealed containers.

 

A third noticeable difference is that 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.

 

What is the source of bottled water?

Most bottled water in Canada is spring water from deep underground aquifers in which the water has been protected from contamination for hundreds, if not for thousands of years.
 

 

Why do we need water?

60 to 70% of our bodies are water.
An individual can last quite a while without food, but only one week without water.

Water helps you digest food and then turn that food into energy.

Water regulates your body temperature, keeps your mouth moistened, and maintains muscle tone.

Water carries nutrients and oxygen to every cell in the body, it protects and cushions vital organs and joints.

 

What are the various kinds of bottled water?

Spring water - drinking water obtained from an approved underground source that contains less than 500 mg/L total dissolved minerals but shall not be obtained from a public community water supply.

 

Distilled water - water from which all minerals have been removed by the separation process in which a liquid is first converted to a vapor by heating. The vapor is then cooled and condensed back to its liquid state.

Is bottled water regulated?

In Canada, bottled water is defined as a food product and is governed by the Food and Drugs Act, which comes under the jurisdiction of the Health Protection Branch of Health and Welfare Canada. Federal Inspectors visit bottling plants on a regular basis to ensure that good manufacturing practices are used and that finished product meets federal guidelines.

 

Why do people drink bottled water?

The increasing number of Ontario residents are turning to bottled water as their beverage of choice can be attributed to a greater awareness of environmental concerns and the growing trends towards healthier lifestyles.

 

How should I store bottled water and for how long?

Bottled water should be stored in a cool (i.e., room temperature), dry environment away from direct sunlight and chemicals such as household cleaning products and away from solvents such as gasoline, paint thinners and other toxic materials.

The current regulations do not establish a shelf life for bottled water. Bottled water can be used indefinitely if stored properly. The CBWA Model Code recommends two years.