How is bottled water regulated? 

Bottled water is a popular beverage choice worldwide, and it is crucial to ensure its safety for public consumption. As such, bottled water is regulated by various entities to ensure that it meets specific standards. In this article, we will discuss how bottled water is regulated. 

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The regulation of bottled water is handled by various organizations, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA). Each of these organizations has its own set of regulations and standards that bottled water must meet. 

The FDA is responsible for regulating bottled water that is sold in the United States. The agency has established a set of regulations that all bottled water must comply with before it is sold to the public. These regulations are known as the FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs) and cover all aspects of the bottled water industry, from the quality of the water to the safety of the bottling process. 

The FDA’s CGMPs ensure that bottled water is free from harmful contaminants and pathogens that could be dangerous to public health. Additionally, the regulations require that all bottled water labels include specific information about the water’s source and quality, including a list of any treatment processes used to purify the water. 

The EPA is another organization that regulates bottled water. However, its focus is on the safety of the water source itself, rather than the bottling process. The EPA sets standards for the quality of tap water, which is the source of most bottled water. The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the primary law that regulates tap water quality in the United States. 

In addition to the FDA and EPA regulations, the IBWA has established its own set of standards for bottled water quality. The IBWA is a trade organization that represents the bottled water industry in the United States. The IBWA’s standards are based on the FDA’s CGMPs and include additional requirements for the handling and storage of bottled water. 

The IBWA’s standards also include regulations for the labeling of bottled water. All bottled water labels must include specific information about the water’s source and quality, as well as any treatment processes used to purify the water. Additionally, the IBWA requires that all bottled water companies undergo regular third-party audits to ensure compliance with its standards. 

In addition to these regulations, many states have their own laws and regulations that govern the bottling and sale of bottled water. These regulations can vary widely from state to state and may include requirements for water testing, labeling, and packaging. 

Overall, bottled water is heavily regulated to ensure its safety for public consumption. The FDA, EPA, and IBWA all play important roles in regulating the bottled water industry, from the quality of the water source to the bottling and labeling process. Additionally, many states have their own regulations that must be followed. By adhering to these regulations, bottled water companies can ensure that their products are safe and of high quality.