U.S. Water News Online
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Bottled-water companies would have to put out water q uality reports similar to those public water agencies produce under California legislation that took a step toward passage.
The bill would make California's bottled-water quality standards among the strongest in the nation, requiring bottlers to include greater detail on product labels. Currently, if consumers want to know if trace amounts of contaminants have been found in the bottled water, they have to call the company.
``You look at the label and you see the word 'pure' or 'crystal' ... and you think this water has to be good,'' said Jennifer Clary of Clean Water Action, a national consumer group. ``That's the perception that's making bottled water the fastest-growing section of the beverage market.''
About 70 percent of California residents drink bottled water regularly because they believe it's cleaner and safer than tap water, but that's not always true, said Assemblywoman Ellen Corbett.
``We already know that what comes from the tap at home is safe,'' Corbett said. ``Consumers deserve no less from other drinking water.''
The bill was approved, 4-1, by the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee on Tuesday. It now moves to the Appropriations Committee, the last stop before reaching the full Assembly.
The bill would give the Department of Health Services the same authority to inspect bottled-water facilities that it has to inspect public water systems. The companies would be charged a fee for the new regulation.
Bottled-water companies say the new regulations are unnecessary and costly. Stephen Kay, spokesman for the International Bottled Water Association, said the industry already meets the same standards under the state's food laws.
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