FAQS

How is bottled water different from tap water?

One major difference is the source water. Municipalities generally draw their water supply from surface water (lakes, rivers, etc.) which may be subject to contamination. Most bottled water (more than 75%) originates from protected underground sources.

The distribution systems for tap and bottled water are a second important difference. While municipal water distribution systems often rely on kilometers of antiquated piping, bottled water products are produced in food plants and packaged in clean, sealed containers.

Lastly, bottled water does not contain any chlorine or chlorine by-products (trihalomethanes or THM's). Instead of chlorine, many bottlers use ozone, a form of oxygen, or ultraviolet light to ensure there are no bacteria present. In addition, chlorinated tap water sometimes contains an off taste or odor which is not present in bottled water. Lead and aluminum are also found in tap water but not in bottled water.

Bottled water is extensively regulated as a food product by federal, provincial and association standards. Tap water by contrast is only regulated as a utility by the provinces. Although the federal government established the Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines, they have only been legislated in several provinces and remain legally unenforceable elsewhere. By contrast bottled water regulations are legally enforceable throughout Canada.