Frequently Asked Questions - Water Man Bottled Water

What is bottled water?
What are the different types of bottled water?
How do I know my water is safe?
Is bottled water regulated?
Is bottled water regulated differently from tap water?
How long can I store bottled water?
How much water I should drink daily?
How often will I get delivery?
Do I need to be home for my deliveries?
The hot water valve does not work? Is it broken?
Am I responsible for damage to the rental equipment or for the lost bottles?

1.	What is bottled water?
	Bottled water is a great beverage choice for hydration and refreshment because of its consistent safety, quality, good taste and convenience. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) fully regulates bottled water as a packaged food product and requires bottled water to adhere to FDA's extensive food safety, labeling and inspection requirements. Bottled water is also subject to state regulations and, and even higher industry standards. Water is classified as "bottled water" or "drinking water" when it meets all applicable federal and state standards, is sealed in a sanitary container and is sold for human consumption. By law, FDA standards for bottled water must be at least as stringent and protective of public health as standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for public water systems. Some beverages containing certain ingredients or additives may cause that product to be classified as a soft drink, dietary supplement or some other categorization. Soda water, seltzer water and tonic water are not considered bottled waters. They are regulated differently, may contain sugar and calories and are classified as soft drinks. ^ BACK TO TOP
2.	What are the different types of bottled water?
	FDA has established a bottled water Standard of Identity to define the several different types of bottled water based on specific characteristics of the product. Bottled water products meeting the Standard of Identity may be labeled as bottled water or drinking water, or one or more of the following terms: Purified Water – Quality and taste is very consistent. Water that has been produced by distillation, deionization, reverse osmosis may be labeled as purified bottled water. Alternatively, "___ drinking water" can be used with the blank being filled in with one of the terms defined in this paragraph (e.g., "purified drinking water," "distilled drinking water,” or simply “drinking water.”) Spring Water – Taste and consistency can vary. Bottled water derived from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface of the earth. Spring water must be collected only at the spring or through a borehole tapping the underground formation feeding the spring. Spring water collected with the use of an external force must be from the same underground stratum as the spring and must have all the physical properties before treatment, and be of the same composition and quality as the water that flows naturally to the surface of the earth. Mineral Water – Bottled water containing not less than 250 parts per million total dissolved solids may be labeled as mineral water. Mineral water is distinguished from other types of bottled water by its constant level and relative proportions of mineral and trace elements at the point of emergence from the source. No minerals can be added to this product. Sparkling Bottled Water – Water that after treatment, and possible replacement with carbon dioxide, contains the same amount of carbon dioxide that it had as it emerged from the source. Sparkling bottled waters may be labeled as "sparkling drinking water," "sparkling mineral water," "sparkling spring water," etc. Artesian Water/Artesian Well Water – This is water from a well that taps a confined aquifer (a water-bearing underground layer of rock or sand) in which the water level stands at some height above the top of the aquifer. Fluoridated water – water that has fluoride added for the purpose of preventing tooth decay. Well Water – Bottled water from a hole bored, drilled or otherwise constructed in the ground, which taps the water aquifer. ^ BACK TO TOP
3.	How do I know my water is safe?
	Consumers can trust that bottled water is safe for many reasons. First, bottled water is strictly regulated at the federal level by FDA and at the state level by state agencies. By law, FDA standards for bottled water must be at least as stringent and protective of public health as standards set by EPA for public water systems. This helps ensure that bottled water sold in the United States meets stringent standards for safety, quality and labeling. In addition, several of the industry standards are stricter than FDA, state or EPA's public drinking water standards. Standards to help ensure that bottled water is as safe and of the highest quality possible may include, source protection and monitoring, reverse osmosis, distillation, filtration, ozonation and ultraviolet light. ^ BACK TO TOP
4.	Is bottled water regulated?
	Yes. The bottled water industry is regulated on three levels: federal, state and, industry. FDA regulations, coupled with state and industry standards, offer consumers assurance that the bottled water they purchase is stringently regulated and tested, and are of the highest quality. ^ BACK TO TOP
5.	Is bottled water regulated differently from tap water?
	Yes. Bottled water is regulated as a packaged food product by FDA and must meet all applicable food-packaging regulations. EPA regulates tap water as a utility. ^ BACK TO TOP
6.	How long can I store bottled water?
	FDA has not established a shelf life for bottled water. IBWA advises consumers to store bottled water at room temperature (or cooler), out of direct sunlight and away from solvents and chemicals such as gasoline, paint thinners and dry cleaning chemicals. Bottled water can be used indefinitely if stored properly. ^ BACK TO TOP
7.	How much water I should drink daily?
	Everyone knows that drinking lots of water is good for your health, but getting the recommended eight glasses a day can be difficult. Our bodies are made up of 60% to 70% of water. This is because our blood, muscles, lungs and brain all contain large amounts of water. Water is necessary to regulate our body temperatures and is the way nutrients are transported to our cells. So how can you get the 64 ounces of water a day your body needs? The best way is to develop a routine that includes drinking bottled water. Drink water in the morning, first thing. It will ensure you are hydrated before downing your first cup of coffee, which is a natural diuretic. You will feel energized and avoid that headachy feeling that comes from dehydration. Take bottled water with you to the gym, on walks, and bike. You will replace any fluids lost in the process of exercising and avoid becoming dehydrated. Even keep some in you car. Remember, for every glass of beer or wine, and with every glass of coffee or tea make sure you also drink a bottle of water. To calculate exactly how much bottled water you need per day follow this guideline from the International Sports Medicine Institute: ½ ounce of water per pound of body weight if you are not active and 2/3 ounce of water per pound if you are athletic. Click this link for a fun hydration calculator: http://www.bottledwater.org/public/hydratio_main.htm ^ BACK TO TOP
8.	How often will I get delivery?
	When you become a home or office delivery customers, you can expect a water delivery every two weeks. You will receive a printed schedule inside your new customer packet. ^ BACK TO TOP
9.	Do I need to be home for my deliveries?
	You do not need to be home to receive your water. You should determine a convenient location to store your empty Water Man bottles, and where your fresh bottles will be left. Just let us know where that location is. ^ BACK TO TOP
10.	The hot water valve does not work? Is it broken?
	The hot water spigot has a child-resistant attachment. Simply tilt the handle up and squeeze the ends together. Then push down, keeping the ends squeezed together while dispending water. The child-resistant will return when handle is released. ^ BACK TO TOP
11.	Am I responsible for damage to the rental equipment or for the lost bottles?
	Damage to the cooler that is not caused by defective equipment, the customer is responsible. However, each situation is handled on an individual basis. Call our Customer Service Department to discuss the problem. Bottles that are not returned to the company will be charged to the customer. ^ BACK TO TOP