According to a test of samples conducted by an environmental group, water available for a price in shops and markets may not be as pure as we think as compared to the water that comes in taps free of cost.
Studies revealed at least 38 varieties of pollutants in some of the top selling brands of mineral water. These include chemicals, bacterial, drug residues, fertilizers, etc. Pollutants averaged eight in number according to this significant study conducted by the Environmental Working Group from Washington D.C.
Consumption of bottled water in America almost doubled since the year 1997 as seen in reports released by a New York based consultancy and research firm Beverage Marketing Corp.
According to a senior scientist from the Environmental Working Group, Renee Sharp, contrary to the pristine springs we see in commercials, stark reality is these bottles are filled up with water available locally.
Sharp says people pay at least 1500 times more money in a bid to drink pure water, but this is not the case. She went on to stipulate that just like the public water utilities, which are required to specify details on the source and methods of purification of water and the possible presence of contaminants, water companies too must follow similar guidelines and provide more information to consumers.
In California, guidelines regarding bottled water are stricter and companies are required to inform consumers about the source of water and the presence of possible contaminants.
Renee Sharp and her colleagues initiated the research of water samples after having noticed water bottles in certain prominent departmental stores carrying the municipal water treatments chemical signature.
