Is it safe to drink bottled water?

Bottled water refers to the drinking water that is packed in plastic bottles. It is meant for individual consumption and is available throughout the world. Bottled water has to adhere to international quality standards. But, is it really safe to drink bottled water? Read on.

The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) has set some standards to ensure that there are no impurities in bottled water. But are manufacturers really following these standards.

Recent study and report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), suggests that some bottled waters have same quality as tap water. In fact, the report found fertilizer residues, pain medications and other chemicals in some samples. The Environmental Working Group suggests that FDA must ensure that bottled water manufacturers release list contaminants that bottled water contains.

Most manufacturers say that the quality of water depends on the area from which it is collected. Though the results of the reports are not that alarming, but it is suggested to check the label of the bottled water. It the label says, ‘drinking water’, it is likely the same as tap water. If the label has ’spring’ or ‘artesian’ on it, they are not supposed to have any contaminants.