How is Bottled Water Made?
If you are interested in bottled water, there are a few things that you should know about the production process. You can also learn more about the FDA regulations that govern the bottled water industry. Generally, bottled water manufacturers are required to ensure that chemical and radiological contaminants do not exceed acceptable concentrations. A certification number will be listed on the bottle or cap.
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Most bottled water comes in plastic bottles. Typically, plastic bottles are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is a synthetic plastic that is considered to be safe to use. Unlike some other types of plastics, PET does not pose any health risks. However, PET does emit significant air pollutants.
Bottled water is produced by several different processes. The most common process used by water bottle manufacturers is reverse osmosis. This method uses a large boiling chamber and pressure to purify the water. After the water is purified, it is captured in a separate container for further processing. Another popular process is distillation. Both methods require the water to be heated to a rolling boil. Steam is then condensed into a separate purified container.
Another method of producing bottled water involves vaporizing the water to remove any unknown minerals. Some bottled waters will be naturally carbonated. Other bottled waters may contain sweeteners or additives. These products may not be advertised on the label, but they are still present in the water.
Some bottled water is produced by filtering tap water. These products can be sold to people who are on a diet or do not like tap water. Regardless of whether the product is made from tap water or distilled water, the company must meet federal requirements to assure the safety of consumers.
The United States has more than 8 billion gallons of bottled water produced every year. Many of these bottled drinks come from lakes and other natural sources. Others are produced by a man-made well. Each method of manufacturing bottled water requires its own set of rules. For instance, Coca-cola filters its water five times to remove impurities and mineral residues.
Nestle Waters, a leading bottled water company, sells water to 145 countries around the world. Nestle has produced water for more than a century and is the largest bottled water producer in the world. In 2013, 95% of Nestle’s bottled water was sold in its country of origin.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), bottled water must be packaged in a clean, sanitary container. This is to protect the product from leaks and contamination. When a bottled water company fails to comply with federal standards, the federal government can take action.
The FDA regulates the bottled water industry and ensures that the products are manufactured in compliance with quality standards. During an annual inspection, a facility is evaluated to determine if it meets the necessary criteria. Those who are members of the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) must also undergo an annual inspection by an independent third party. Likewise, companies that use municipal water for their water source must disclose the source on the label.