Bottled Water
Bottled water is water which has been placed in a sealed container or package and is offered for sale for human consumption. The term “bottled water” actually applies to a number of different beverage products. Bottled waters can vary by their source, treatment and taste profile.
To help consumers better recognize and understand the differences between bottled water types, Health Canada has created standards of identity to help define and classify bottled waters.
For more information on bottled water and its 100% recyclable packaging, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), visit Health Canada – Frequently Asked Questions on Bottled Water.
Defining Bottled Waters
Spring water
Bottled potable water derived from an approved underground source which is not part of a community water supply and is fit for human consumption at its point of origin. Spring water may not be subjected to any treatment that would modify the original composition of the water. It can have added carbon dioxide for carbonation, ozone for disinfection during the bottling process and fluoride for the prevention of dental carries.
Mineral water
Mineral water is very similar to spring water except that it generally contains a larger amount of dissolved mineral salts than spring water.
Carbonated or Sparkling water
Bottled water containing carbon dioxide. Carbonation can be added or naturally occurring at the water source.
Distilled water
Bottled water that has been produced by a process of distillation and has been boiled into vapour and then cooled to condense it back into a liquid. This methods removes minerals, microbial contamination, and can reduce the levels of chemical contaminants.
Drinking water
Drinking water is water that is safe for human consumption.
Deionized water
Bottled water that has been produced through a deionization process to have most of its mineral ions removed.
Flouridated water
Bottled water can contain added fluoride in such an amount that the total concentration of added and naturally occurring fluoride does not exceed 1 mg/L.
Glacial water
Bottled water from a source that is direct from a glacier.
Natural water
Bottled water (such as spring, mineral or well water) obtained from an approved source that is from an underground formation and not derived from a municipal or public water supply system. This water does not have its composition modified through the use of any chemicals.
Well water
Water from a hole bored, drilled, or otherwise constructed in the ground, which taps the water of an aquifer.