FAQS

What is bottled water?
Bottled water is sold for human consumption. It must, therefore, be sealed in a sanitary container and must meet all applicable federal and provincial regulations for drinking water. Bottled water cannot contain sweeteners or chemical additives and must be calorie and sugar free. There are many different types of bottled water. The CBWA offers the following definitions to help you in your selection:

Spring Water - Bottled water derived from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface of the earth. Spring water must be collected only at the spring or though a borehole tapping the underground formation finding the spring. There must be natural force causing the water to flow to the surface through a natural orifice. Spring water collected with use of external force must be from the same underground stratum as the spring and must have all the same physical properties and be of the same composition and quality of the water that flows naturally to the surface. Spring water must contain less than 500 parts per million (ppm) of total dissolved solids.

Mineral Water - Respects the same definition as spring water except that it is normally expected to contain more than 500 ppm of dissolved solids.

Well Water - Bottled water which would meet the definition of spring water except it does not flow naturally to the surface of the earth . Instead it is tapped from a hole bored, drilled or otherwise constructed.

Artesian Water - Bottled water which would meet the definition of well water except it taps a confined aquifer in which the water level starts above the top of the aquifer. Another suitable name is "Artesian Well Water".

Purified Water - Bottled water that has been produced by distillation, deionization or reverse osmosis. The source can be from a spring, well or a public community water supply. Other suitable names for bottled water produced by one of the above processes include "Distilled Water", Deionized Water" and "Reverse Osmosis Water".

Drinking Water - Bottled water that has been produced by distillation, deionisation or reverse osmosis. The water can come from a spring, or a public community water supply. Other suitable terms for bottled water produced by one of the above processes include “distilled water,” “deionised water,” and “reverse osmosis water.” These waters have no added minerals.

Carbonated Bottled Water - Bottled water that contains natural or added carbonation. Soda water, seltzer water and tonic water are considered soft drinks, not bottled waters.