When dining out or attending a conference, you might notice an increasing trend: restaurants, hotels and conference centres are filling and serving water in bottles that appear to be eco-friendly alternatives to traditional bottled water. While they may claim to be a sustainable choice, they raise serious questions about safety, quality and transparency.
The Rising Trend: Refilled Glass Bottles
In an effort to be more environmentally conscious, many venues are opting to refill and serve water in glass bottles. The idea is simple: eliminate single-use plastics by offering a reusable, eco-friendly option. But what do we really know about the water inside these bottles? Is it as safe as the bottled water you buy with the South African National Bottled Water Association (SANBWA) logo? Would a true sustainable solution not be to offer water in a glass or jug? Or is mimicking an established food category while claiming the profits the true motivation?
What’s in the Bottle? Safety Concerns and the Source of the Water
When you purchase bottled water with the SANBWA logo, you’re guaranteed a product that has undergone stringent safety checks, including the source of the water, the production processes and how the bottle is filled and sealed. This logo ensures the water is safe and compliant with all legal and environmental standards, including correct labelling and a verified shelf life.
In contrast, the water served in refilled glass bottles at public venues often lacks these guarantees. The water is typically sourced from municipal taps, which might be safe to drink, but the safety can be compromised depending on how the water is treated and handled and the cleanliness of the bottles and filling environment. Without proper handling and sanitation, these bottles can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and fungi. The pipes, containers and lids involved in refilling can also harbour harmful microorganisms if not thoroughly cleaned and sanitised daily.
The Infringement on a Regulated Food Category
By refilling glass bottles and serving the water as a “bottled water alternative,” these venues are essentially infringing on a regulated food category. Bottled water is regulated by the Department of Health and must be bottled in a food-safe facility, hermetically sealed and have a defined and tested shelf life. On the other hand, the refilled water in these glass bottles does not conform to these stringent requirements and are not tested anywhere near the frequency required for food and beverage products, if it is tested at all. This lack of regulation means there’s no traceability, no guarantee of safety and no assurance of quality, yet consumers are expected to pay for it while they are under the false impression that it is of the same quality and safety standard as packaged water.
Environmental Claims: Are They Really Sustainable?
The environmental benefits of refilled glass bottles are also questionable. While it’s true that reducing single-use plastic is beneficial, the process of cleaning and refilling these glass bottles consumes a significant amount of water and energy. The water footprint associated with cleaning the bottles is enormous, and the energy used for delivery, cleaning and refilling might offset any environmental gains. In addition, if the bottles are not adequately sanitised, the supposed benefits of using reusable bottles are nullified by the health risks they pose. Anything that we consume, that is classified and regulated as a food product, must adhere to all legislation, in full and at all times. Food safety principles may never be sacrificed.
The Importance of the SANBWA Logo
Given these concerns, it’s essential to ensure that the water you drink is safe and of high quality. The SANBWA logo on a bottled water label is a reliable indicator that the water has been produced in accordance with the highest standards for hygiene, food safety and environmental responsibility. This logo ensures that:
- Purity is established at the source.
- Water is sustainably sourced.
- Bottling facilities are independently audited annually.
- Retail bottled water is regularly and randomly tested.
Members of SANBWA adhere to these strict guidelines, offering consumers peace of mind that they are drinking safe and high-quality water. Look for the logo on your bottled water.
Dos and Don’ts for Water Consumption
To ensure the safety and quality of the water you consume, follow these guidelines:
- Bottled water: Only purchase bottled water with the SANBWA logo to ensure you’re getting a safe product.
- Municipal tap water: Avoid filling bottles and storing water for long periods, as it may not remain safe to drink.
- Refilled water: Do not buy pre-filled bottles from facilities that are not certified as food-safe.
- Private boreholes and tanks: Test the water regularly and treat it to ensure it is safe for consumption.
