Office of Drinking Water Quality

Bottled Water

Bottled water is a food product, regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Definition: water that is 

• Intended for human consumption 
• Sealed in bottles or other containers 
• No added ingredients, except that it may contain safe and suitable antimicrobial agents.

Bottled water may come from several sources: artesian water\artesian well water, drinking water, mineral water, purified water, sparkling water, spring water or well water.

Bottled water must adhere to the FDA's regulations:

• Quality Standards include the annual chemical analysis to determine what, if any, contaminates are in the water.
• Standards of Identity (Labeling Regulations) established standard definitions of terms found on bottled water labels.
• Good Manufacturing Practices govern such areas as plant and ground maintenance, sanitary maintenance of the building, fixtures and plumbing.

For More Information :

• Rules and Regulations for Bottled Water
• International Bottled Water Association
• Food and Drug Administration
• Licensing Status (Link to License 2000)