The Question of Bottled Water

As you know, not all bottled water is pure. We've been reading and writing about that for a year or more now. We've learned that the FDA doesn't regulate bottled water - that comes under the Environmental Protection Agency - and they don't pay much attention to it.

We also learned that the conscientious bottlers police themselves. But - very few bottlers belong to their associations.

So I thought it was interesting when I got the following in my e-mail. It might be fun to participate:

"Ever look at a bottle of water and wonder, "Where does the water come from? Is it purified? Did the FDA make sure it's safe and clean?"

Join EWG's Bottled Water Label Scavenger Hunt and get your questions answered.


Here's how to get involved (and win EWG prizes!):


1) The next time you buy a bottle of water (even we EWG'ers sometimes forget our reusable bottle) choose a non-sparkling, unflavored water bottled in glass or clear plastic.


2) Carefully remove the entire label from the bottle. We need all the information from the label, so if necessary, cut the plastic around the label to get it all off.


3) Write down:


the name and location of the store where you purchased the water

the date you purchased the water

your name, email and mailing address

4) Mail your labels and other information to:


Environmental Working Group
Attn: Nneka Leiba
1436 U St. NW, Suite 100
Washington, DC 20009


Whoever sends the most labels (duplicates not counting) by June 15 will win a stainless steel water bottle with the EWG logo and a jumbo-sized, reusable grocery tote printed with EWG's pollution solutions tips. Plus, everyone who participates will get a Shopper's Guide to Pesticides magnet!

Thank you in advance for helping us with our research to make sure bottled water companies are honest with you about the water you buy.


Sincerely,


EWG Bottled Water Research Team"