Bottled Drinking Water Quality Assurance
In order to ensure the resilience of our supply chain we currently obtain our bottled water stock from multiple independent bottled water producers.
Legislation controlling bottled water quality parameters is very similar to that of the water supply regulations. However, the principle difference between the two bodies of legislation is the point at which quality compliance must be proven. The Water supply regulations stipulate quality compliance must be demonstrable at the point of consumption, not point of bottling.
Water Direct maintains a unique extensive and comprehensive database of quality information for all the sources used in production of the Courtesy label and H2GO label stock supplied. Should any query be raised, full testing information can be supplied to back-up and assure the water quality. Data is available to demonstrate quality conformity at the point of compliance.
Testing at production is largely standardised across the industry with the following tests done within 12 hours on samples of bottles taken from the production line; Total viable colony counts done at 22º and 37º C (enumeration of background levels of benign bacteria which exist in treated water). E coli and coliforms.
Source water and further testing at production is carried out daily, with a full suite of testing carried out on the source water on at least an annual basis to ensure it conforms to the standards laid out for the required accreditation, ie natural mineral water, spring water or drinking water.
Where bottled water is supplied as an alternative water supply to the piped supply, the Water Supply (Water Quality) regulations 2000 as amended, apply. Drinking water supply is regulated by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI). The DWI website provides extensive information and guidance on all aspects of water quality together with the up-to-date legislation: www.dwi.gov.uk
To enquire about our Bottled Water Quality Assurance procedures please call 0845 345 1725 or email enquiries@water-direct.co.uk
