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Bottled water is the fastest growing drink choice in the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency says.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates bottled water as a packaged food under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
The EPA defines the different types of water available:
- Artesian water, ground water, spring water, well water — These types of water stem from underground aquifers, which may or may not be treated.
- Distilled water — Steam from boiling water is recondensed and bottled. Distilling water kills microbes and removes water’s natural minerals.
- Drinking water — Water intended for human consumption and sealed in containers that may contain disinfectants considered ‘safe.’ Fluoride also may be added to help protect teeth.
- Mineral water — Ground water that naturally contains 250 or more parts per million of total dissolved solids.
- Purified water — Water that has been treated to meet the U.S. Pharmacopeia definition ofpurified water. Purified water isessentially free of all chemicals, and may also be free of microbes iftreated by distillation.
- Carbonated water, soda water, seltzer water, sparkling water, and tonic water — These are considered soft drinks and are not regulated as bottled water.