WHAT MAKES A GOOD WATER?

What distinguishes a good water from an unsatisfactory one?

Quality waters should have the following qualities:

• be free from pathogenic (disease causing) bacteria;
• be free of inappropriate chemicals (e.g. chlorine);
• be free of pesticides;
• be free of heavy metals (e.g. mercury);
• the source catchment area should be free of all possible sources of pollution;
• the water must be bottled at source to minimise any possibility of contamination;
• the labelling must clearly indicate the location of the source;
• the label must state the concentration of minerals and salts;
• must have undergone no treatment except filtration to remove any solid matter and microbial flora: and
• must be bottled under conditions of the most stringent hygiene.