Safety as Well as Environment Causing Concerns Over Bottled Water
Debate and doubts about bottled water have been growing for some time but in two far-flung areas, official actions are under consideration.
Until now, manufacture, distribution and disposal of plastic bottles were the most frequently emphasized issues. Now, though, the U.S. Congress is examining reports questioning the regulation and declared safety of bottled water. Both the Government Accountability Office and non-profit research organization, the Environmental Working Group, have raised issues about whether there is sufficient regulation of bottled water. And whether sufficient information about source and treatment is available to consumers.
The New York Times reports that more than half of Americans drinking bottled water believe it is safer and healthier than tap water. After a briefing on the reports, however, thirteen companies were asked for additional information on sourcing and testing.
According to the newspaper, Representative Bart Stupak, chairman of the oversight committee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said, "Neither the public nor federal regulators know nearly enough about where bottled water comes from and what safeguards are in place to ensure its safety." Jane Houlihan, senior vice president for research of the Environmental Working Group, added "Almost one-third of bottled waters have no information on their label."
Differences in required information are currently the result of differing regulatory responsibilities, with the Environmental Protection Agency regulating tap water and the Food and Drug Administration responsible for bottled water because it is classified as a food.
Meanwhile, a small Australian town known as Bundanoon has decided to ban bottled water altogether. The reason for the decision is not specifically to do with labeling or sourcing but the fact that a bottling company wanted to tap the town's water, truck it away to bottle it, then truck it back to sell to residents.
Shops will soon stop selling bottled water altogether and visitors will be discouraged from drinking it if they've brought their own. Instead, bottles can be filled for free at filtered water fountains in the town's main street. Following Bundanoon's lead, the Daily Telegraph reports that New South Wales' state government has instructed all departments and agencies to use water from the tap only. The premier, Nathan Rees, said the government should lead by example. Which may be what the U.S. Congress has planned.
Discussion Questions: Would more information about source and treatment influence consumers in their purchase of bottled water? Is this just another labeling issue or are there real concerns about safety and the difference between bottled water and tap water?