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 Where does Bottled Water Come From?
The FDA classifies bottled water according to its origin.
• Artesian well water. Water from a well that taps an
aquifer--layers of porous rock, sand and earth that contain water--which is under
pressure from surrounding upper layers of rock or clay. When tapped, the pressure
in the aquifer, commonly called artesian pressure, pushes the water above the
level of the aquifer, sometimes to the surface. Other means may be used to help
bring the water to the surface.
According to the EPA, water from artesian aquifers often is more pure because
the confining layers of rock and clay impede the movement of contamination.
However, despite the claims of some bottlers, there is no guarantee that artesian
waters are any cleaner than ground water from an unconfined aquifer, the EPA
says.
•Mineral water.
Water from an underground source that contains at least 250 parts
per million total dissolved solids. Minerals and trace elements
must come from the source of the underground water. They often
add a nice taste to water.
• Spring water.
Derived from an underground formation from which water flows naturally
to the earth's surface. Spring water must be collected only at
the spring or through a borehole tapping the underground formation
feeding the spring. If some external force is used to collect the
water through a borehole, the water must have the same composition
and quality as the water that naturally flows to the surface.
• Well water.
Water from a hole bored or drilled into the ground, which taps
into an aquifer.
How Much Bottled Water do We Drink?
According to the Beverage
Marketing Corporation, since the early 1990s, bottled water has become
increasingly popular among consumers. The bottled water industry estimates
that sales totaled $8.8 billion annually in 2005. Recently, even the soft
drink giants Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have ventured into the market.
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