GAO study will delve into drinking water and environmental concerns
To assist the GAO in conducting its study, the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) stands ready to provide facts about the environmental stewardship, conservation and sustainability practices of the bottled water industry.
The IBWA believes that the GAO report will show that the safety, quality and labeling of bottled water are comprehensively regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state governments.
“IBWA and the bottled water industry welcome the opportunity to share important facts about bottled water with the GAO and our nation’s elected officials as they undertake this task,” said IBWA President and CEO Joe Doss.
Tapping into benefits of bottled water
To help clarify a number of issues raised by the House Subcommittee, the IBWA provides the following views about bottled water:
• Bottled water is a safe, healthy, convenient food product that is comprehensively regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state governments.
• The bottled water industry has been at the forefront of relief efforts during natural disasters and other catastrophic events by supplying millions of bottles of water in response to these types of emergencies. Clean, safe water is a critical need for citizens and first responders immediately following a natural disaster or other catastrophic event. Unfortunately, the availability of water from public water systems is often compromised in the aftermath of such an event. During these times, bottled water often is the best option to deliver clean, safe drinking water quickly into affected areas.
• At a time when obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and other maladies are on the rise, Americans must be able to choose the healthful benefits of bottled water, which is growing in popularity because of its consistent quality, taste and convenience. Many people choose bottled water over other beverages because it does not contain calories, caffeine, sugar, artificial flavors or colors, alcohol or other ingredients consumers may wish to avoid or moderate.
• The bottled water industry, like many others in the food and beverage industry, has taken actions to reduce its environmental footprint through the use of lighter weight packaging, coupled with direct support and involvement in recycling education and advocacy programs. Bottled water containers are fully recyclable and should be properly recycled through whatever system a local municipality has in place.
• The FDA has determined that source labeling for bottled water is not necessary or required if a brand is in compliance with the FDA bottled water Standard of Identity, Standard of Quality, Good Manufacturing Practices and other regulations.
• The source of a bottled water product, as well as other brand information, may be obtained by contacting the bottled water company directly. According to FDA law, all food products, including bottled water, must include the name and location of the manufacturer, packer or distributor. Moreover, many bottled water companies include other contact information, such as a telephone number or Web site address, on the product label.
• The bottled water industry is a minimal user of groundwater resources and accounts for only 0.02 percent of all groundwater withdrawals in the U.S., according to a 2005 study by the Drinking Water Research Foundation. However, the bottled water industry aggressively supports comprehensive groundwater resource management policies.
• The FDA and state governments recognize groundwater and municipal water systems as legitimate and valid sources for bottled water production. There are specific labeling and other standards to help ensure that consumers are aware of the type of bottled water they choose.
• If bottled water is sourced from a municipal water system and has not been further treated and purified, the FDA requires the label to state that it is from a municipal or community water system.