Bottled Water Guide: Types, Regulations, and Labeling

Posted on Nov 11, 2024 in Geology

Bottled Water

Types of Bottled Water

Natural Mineral Water

Sourced from underground springs and distinguished by their mineral content and purity due to the protected aquifer. Variations based on carbonation include:

  • Naturally Carbonated Natural Mineral Water: Contains natural carbon dioxide (CO2).
  • Natural Mineral Water Fortified with Gas from the Same Source: CO2 content increased with gas from the same source.
  • Natural Mineral Water with Added Carbon Gas: CO2 added from a different source.
  • Fully Carbonated Natural Mineral Water: CO2 removed using physical processes.
  • Partially Carbonated Natural Mineral Water: Some CO2 removed by physical processes.

Appellation: Achieving the designation of Natural Mineral Water (AMN) requires meeting specific requirements related to origin and extraction, including geological and hydrological studies, physicochemical analysis, and microbiological tests.

Spring Water

Drinking water from underground sources that emerge naturally or are captured by works, maintaining natural purity suitable for consumption.

Prepared Water

Water treated with approved physical and chemical methods to meet specific characteristics. It can originate from a wellspring or public water supply.

Bottled Water for Public Consumption

Packaged drinking water from public supplies intended for supplemental use during shortages or disruptions.

Permitted Treatments

Natural Mineral Water and Spring Water

  • Removal of volatile elements (sulfur, iron compounds) via filtration or decantation, sometimes preceded by oxygenation.
  • Removal of manganese, iron, and sulfur in specific natural mineral and spring waters.
  • Total or partial elimination of free carbon dioxide using only physical processes. Added CO2 must originate from the same water table or reservoir.

Prepared Water

  • Chemical treatments, decantation, filtration, chlorination, and ozonation are allowed, even if they alter the initial chemical composition.

Prohibited Treatments

  • Marketing spring water or low-mineral content water under different brand names.
  • Transporting or packaging water through unauthorized handling operations.
  • Disinfection or microbial modification of natural mineral and spring water using any products or treatments.

Quality Controls

Controls can be imposed by legislation or implemented by packing houses. Self-monitoring includes checking for contamination in the catchment, water, and packaging, and maintaining a logbook for assessment.

Labeling and Advertising

Natural Mineral Waters

Marketed as “mineral water” with variations like “natural mineral water,” “naturally carbonated mineral water,” etc.

Spring Waters

Sold under the name “spring water.”

Prepared Drinking Water

Sold as “prepared water,” with additions like “carbonated” or “gasified” as appropriate.

Mandatory Labeling Information

  • Sales designation
  • Net quantity
  • Minimum durability or expiry date
  • Storage conditions
  • Manufacturer/packer name and address
  • Place of origin