The Water & Regulations

1. What is bottled water?
2. What are the different types of bottled water?
3. How is bottled water different from tap water?
4. Where does bottled water come from? Are some bottled waters simply tap water in a bottle?
5. How does bottled water get from the spring to my home or business?
6. How long can I store bottled water?
7. What is the proper way to store bottled water?
8. Does bottled water contain chlorine?
9. I've read about Cryptosporidium in tap water. What is it?
10. How do I know that Cryptosporidium is not in my bottled water?
11. How much water coming into the average home is actually used for drinking or cooking?
12. Why should people pay to drink bottled water when they can drink tap water for free?
13. How is bottled water regulated?

1. My cooler is leaking on the floor. What do I do?
2. My cooler is not cold enough?
3. My Hot and Cold cooler is not making hot water?
4. Hot water is coming out both spigots?
5. How can I replace my "Flipper"?
6. How can I replace my "Bonnet"?

1. Why do I keep running out of water before the delivery man comes?

1. What is bottled water?

Water is called "bottled water" if it meets all federal and state standards, is sealed in a sanitary container and sold for human consumption. Some bottled water includes carbonation, which can occur naturally in the water or be added by the bottler. Flavors, extracts and essences -- derived from spice or fruit -- can be added to bottled water, but these additions must comprise less than one percent by weight of the final product. Beverages containing more than the one-percent-by-weight flavor limit are soft drinks, not bottled water. Bottled water cannot contain sweeteners or additives (other than flavors, extracts, or essences) and must be calorie-free and sugar-free. In addition, most bottled waters are sodium-free or include traces of sodium.

Click here for some more definitive information on bottled water:
The Bottled Water Web

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2. What are the different types of bottled water?

There are several varieties of bottled water, including: artesian water, mineral water, sparkling water, spring water, well water, and purified water. A specific definition for each term has been proposed as part of new, additional regulations being considered by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Artesian Water: Bottled water from a well that taps a confined aquifer (a water-bearing underground layer of rock or sand) which stands above the normal water table.

Mineral Water: Bottled water originating from geologically and physically protected underground water source. Mineral water must contain mineral and/or trace elements that make it clearly distinguishable from other types of water. This content must remain constant in the water's original state at the point of emergence from the source.

Sparkling Water: Bottled water containing carbon dioxide, which occurs naturally or is added following emergence from the source. (An important note: soda water, seltzer water, and tonic water are not considered bottled waters. They are regulated separately, may contain sugar and calories, and are considered soft drinks.)

Spring Water: Bottled water that flows naturally from an underground source to the surface of the earth. Spring water must be collected directly from the spring or from a bore-hole that is adjacent to the water's natural point of emergence. Spring water collected by pump, or any other device applying external force, must retain all the properties of, and be of the same composition and quality as, the water flowing naturally to the surface.

Well Water: Bottled water collected from an aquifer through a hole bored, drilled or otherwise constructed in the ground.

Purified Water: Bottled water produced by distillation, deionization, reverse osmosis or another suitable process that meets the definition of purified water in the United States Pharmacopoeia. Water that meets this definition, and is vaporized then condensed, may be labeled "distilled water."

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3. How is bottled water different from tap water?

Consistent quality and taste are two of the principle differences between bottled water and tap water.

Bottled water is inspected and monitored by governmental and private laboratories, ensuring consistent quality in every bottle. Tap water, on the other hand, can be inconsistent varying in taste, smell, and composition. While bottled water originates from protected sources (75% from underground aquifers and springs), most tap water is derived from river sand lakes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reported that hundreds of tap water sources have failed to meet minimum standards. The level of contaminants or bacteria in tap water can change from the source to the tap as it travels through a myriad of pipe and plumbing conditions.

In addition to preferring the consistent quality of bottled water, a majority of bottled water drinkers prefer its taste. Chlorine is customarily used to disinfect tap water, leaving a distinctive and often unpleasant aftertaste. Some bottlers use ozone, a form of supercharged oxygen, and/or ultraviolet light as the final disinfecting agents. These methods leave no taste or chemical trace.

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4. Where does bottled water come from? Are some bottled waters simply tap water in a bottle?

Many bottled waters come from natural sources like springs or wells that originate from deep within the earth. These protected sources are inspected, tested, and certified by the state or country of origin to be of sanitary quality. These bottled waters do not come from surface water sources where certain types of organisms may be found.

Bottled water may also come from treated municipal supplies.

The quality of bottled water is assured through the multi-barrier process and reaches the consumer sealed in containers, whereas tap water travels though miles of public water pipes before reaching the end user. Unwanted elements, such as lead, may not be present at the municipal source or show up during inspection at the water treatment plan, but they could be present when the water comes out of one's tap.

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5. How does bottled water get from the spring to my home or business?

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6. How long can I store bottled water?

The Food and Drug Administration has not established a shelf life for bottled water. Bottled water can be used indefinitely if stored properly.

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7. What is the proper way to store bottled water?

Bottled water should be stored in a cool (i.e. room temperature), dry environment away from chemicals such as household cleaning products and away from solvents such as gasoline, paint thinners and other toxic materials.

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8. Does bottled water contain chlorine?

No. Bottlers do not use chlorine as a final disinfecting agent in bottled water. Bottlers use ozone (O3), a form of oxygen, or ultraviolet light. Unlike chlorine, which is commonly used in public water supplies, these methods disinfect water without leaving any after taste or smell.

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9. I've read about Cryptosporidium being found in tap water. What is it?

Cryptosporidium is a waterborne parasite that lives in animals and can be passed into the water through their waste. Cryptosporidium oocysts from animal wastes have been found in rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs and many other types of surface water.

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10. How do I know that Cryptosporidium is not in my bottled water?

For starters, bottled water companies are required to use approved sources. There are two types of sources from which bottled water can be drawn: the first type is natural sources (i.e. springs and wells); the second source water type is approved potable municipal supplies. By law, natural sources must be protected from surface intrusion and other environmental influences. This requirement ensures that surface water contaminants such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia are not present.

Bottled water companies that utilize potable municipal supplies reprocess the water using methods such as distillation, reverse osmosis, deionization, and filtration. This ensures that the resultant product is very different -- in composition and taste -- from the original source water.

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11. How much water coming into the average home is actually used for drinking or cooking?

It is estimated that the average family uses only one percent of the water coming into its home for drinking or cooking. The remaining 99 percent is used for bathing, cleaning, in toilets, watering lawns, and as part of other household activities. It is the one- percent for consumption, however, that is critical to public health and that bottled water companies can ensure is as safe and free of contaminants as possible.

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12. Why should people pay to drink bottled water when they can drink tap water for free?

The number one reason consumers choose bottled water is taste. Unlike tap water, which uses chlorine as a final disinfectant, bottled water is most commonly disinfected with ozone, which does not leave a residual taste.

Second, consumers are concerned about the quality of their tap water. In addition to concerns about chlorine by-products, contaminants such as lead, nitrates and microorganisms have been discovered in municipal water supplies. Consumers are turning to bottled water because they can be assured of bottled water's high quality.

The third reason consumers choose bottled water is for what it does not contain -- calories, caffeine or alcohol. Consumers leading a more healthful lifestyle are frequently turning to bottled water.

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13. How is bottled water regulated?

FEDERAL REGULATIONS:
Federal regulations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) coupled with state and industry standards offer consumers assurance that the bottled water they purchase is stringently regulated, tested and of the highest quality.

Federal Regulations: Bottled water is regulated as a food by the FDA. Bottled water companies must adhere to the FDA's Good Manufacturing Practices and Quality Standards.

Good Manufacturing Practices: GMPs are requirements that affect all aspects of plant operations, including factory construction and design; sanitation operations, equipment and procedures; manufacturing equipment, operations and procedures; and administrative/personnel procedures such as record-keeping and employee training. Bottled water must adhere to the general food GMPs as well as those specific to bottled water.

Quality Standards: All bottled water products must comply with the FDA's Quality Standards in Section 103.35(d)(2) of Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). These standards, along with the FDA's Good Manufacturing Practices, ensure the safety of all bottled water products from production to packaging to consumption.

Labeling Regulations: In 1993, the FDA published proposed labeling rules for bottled water that would establish standards of identity and standardized definitions for terms found on bottled water labels such as "spring," "artesian," "well", "mineral," "purified," and "distilled." Seltzer, soda water and tonic waters are considered soft drinks; therefore, they are excluded from these regulations.

European Economic Community: All European exporters must meet the federal and state standards as applicable. They must also meet strict standards set by the European Economic Community.

STATE REGULATIONS
Many states have gone beyond current FDA regulations, adopting their own regulations.

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95% of water leaks are caused by a small hairline crack in the bottle and not by your cooler. A tiny crack may not be visible when you put the bottle on, but it will slowly overflow on the inside of your cooler. First, take the bottle off your cooler and place it outside or in the sink. Next, unplug the cooler and drain the remaining water through the spigots. If you put a new bottle on after a leaky bottle without draining your cooler completely, the next undamaged bottle may overflow also. Dry the area around the cooler, put a new bottle on, and plug the electric back in. Please tape a note on the cracked bottle so we can credit your account. In the other 5% of the cases, your cooler may have a broken spigot, or a loose or broken hot tank valve. After you have taken these steps necessary to determine that the cooler is improperly functioning, please call customer service. Sorry for the mess!

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2. My cooler is not cold enough?

You can make slight adjustments to the cold thermostat. On the back of the cooler, behind the black grates you will find a small brass colored screw. With a small flat head screwdriver, you can turn the screw 1/4 turn clockwise to make the cooler colder. If you find that your cooler is too cold or freezing up, then turn the screw 1/4 turn counter clockwise. Make slight adjustments to get the temperature you want. If your cooler is not getting cold at all, please check your electrical outlet for power.

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3. My Hot and Cold cooler is not making hot water?

If you are still getting cold water from the cold spigot, - first check the back of your cooler for a black switch with the numbers 1 and 0. Please make sure the switch is set to #1. If you cannot locate the Hot Tank Switch, check under the top of your cooler. Be aware that an older model cooler may not have a Hot Tank Switch. If you are not getting cold water from the cold spigot then check your electric outlet for power. Power surges, lightning, or plugging in too many appliances can trip the circuit breaker. One more suggestion! Please make sure you have a Hot & Cold cooler before calling Customer service. Some folks have been mistaking our 2-spigot Cook and Cold coolers for Hot & Cold coolers.

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4. Hot water is coming out both spigots?

Unplug the cooler immediately and give us a call! There are several reasons why this may happen, but most will best be explained by our technical staff.

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5. How can I replace my "Flipper"?

Unplug the cooler.

Remove the bottle from the top of the cooler.

Under the faucet you need to modify, position a 1-gallon container.

Drain the water by unscrewing the bonnet just beneath where the flipper sits. (See diagram #1) Pull up to expose the bonnet assembly. If the stem and plastic plunger stay in the faucet body, you will need to remove them with pliers.If you need to stop the flow of water you can re-tighten the bonnet and the water flow will stop.

After you have drained the water, you may remove the bonnet assembly from the faucet body.

While holding the bonnet assembly in one hand, squeeze or compress the bonnet and the rubber plunger together. This action will raise the stem. The stem has an "L" shaped grove. (See diagram 2 part #4) You need to guide the flipper nubs into and up the "L" shaped grove. When the flipper nuts are in the "L" shaped grove you can stop compressing the bonnet and rubber plunger together.

Install the new bonnet and flipper assembly and discard the old bonnet assembly.

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6. How can I replace my "Bonnet"?

Unplug the cooler.

Remove the bottle from the top of the cooler.

Under the faucet you need to modify, position a 1-gallon container.

Drain the water by unscrewing the bonnet just beneath where the flipper sits. (See diagram) Pull up to expose the bonnet assembly. (See diagram) If the stem and rubber plunger stay in the faucet body, you will need to remove them with pliers. If you need to stop the flow of water you can re-tighten the bonnet and the water flow will stop.

After you have drained the water, you may remove the bonnet assembly from the faucet body.

Install the new bonnet and flipper assembly and discard the old bonnet assembly. Put on the remaining bottle of water or a new bottle and plug the cooler into the outlet.

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It is important to understand that we cannot forecast your consumption of Spring Water. After a few water deliveries, we can approximate your consumption and place you on a regular delivery schedule. If, let us know if your consumption increases and you need water before your scheduled date and we will accommodate your request within 48 hours. Don’t run dry - remember to call when you have one full bottle remaining! If your consumption increase becomes common, we can increase your delivery quantity or deliver your water more frequently. If you anticipate needing more water for a party or guests, please let us know as soon as possible.

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