America's Favorite Packaged Drink

America’s Favorite

Packaged Drink

%

Fully Regulated by the FDA

Zero Calories

%

Recyclable (Even the Caps)

%

Fully Regulated by the FDA

Zero Calories

%

Recyclable (Even the Caps)

—WHAT WE FOCUS ON

The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) is the authoritative source of information about all types of bottled waters, including spring, mineral, purified, artesian, and sparkling. Founded in 1958, IBWA’s membership includes U.S. and international bottlers, distributors, and suppliers.

IBWA is committed to working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates bottled water as a packaged food product, to establish comprehensive and stringent standards for safe, high-quality bottled water. In addition to FDA regulations, IBWA member bottlers must adhere to the IBWA Bottled Water Code of Practice, which mandates additional standards and practices that in some cases are more stringent than federal and state regulations. A key feature of the IBWA Bottled Water Code of Practice is a mandatory annual plant inspection by an independent, third-party organization.

Environment

The bottled water industry is a strong supporter of our environment and our natural resources. Bottled water companies manage resources responsibly by investing in technology and practices that improve water quality and conservation. Bottled water’s environmental footprint is the lowest of any packaged beverage. Research shows that bottled water is the most environmentally responsible packaged drink choice.

Learn More

Responsible Water User

Did you know that out of all the water used in the United States each year, bottled water accounts for only 0.01%? You can find numerous false reports on the internet stating that the bottled water industry is using up available water supplies and selling products for big profits. The truth is that the bottled water industry cares deeply about protecting water resources generally, but especially in the communities where they have invested.

Learn More

Health

One of the simplest healthy lifestyle changes you can make is to drink water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages. In today’s on-the-go society, where most of what we drink comes in a package, bottled water is the smart choice to help eliminate or moderate calories, sugar, caffeine, artificial flavors or colors, and other ingredients from your diet.

Learn More

Emergency Response

Clean, safe water is a critical need for citizens and first responders immediately following a natural disaster or other catastrophic event. Unfortunately, the availability of water from public water systems is often compromised in the aftermath of such an event. During these times, bottled water is the best option to deliver clean safe drinking water quickly into affected areas.

Learn More

—WHAT WE FOCUS ON
The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) is the authoritative source of information about all types of bottled waters, including spring, mineral, purified, artesian, and sparkling. Founded in 1958, IBWA’s membership includes U.S. and international bottlers, distributors, and suppliers. IBWA is committed to working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates bottled water as a packaged food product, to establish comprehensive and stringent standards for safe, high-quality bottled water. In addition to FDA regulations, IBWA member bottlers must adhere to the IBWA Bottled Water Code of Practice, which mandates additional standards and practices that in some cases are more stringent than federal and state regulations. A key feature of the IBWA Bottled Water Code of Practice is a mandatory annual plant inspection by an independent, third-party organization.

Environment

The bottled water industry is a strong supporter of our environment and our natural resources. Bottled water companies manage resources responsibly by investing in technology and practices that improve water quality and conservation. Bottled water’s environmental footprint is the lowest of any packaged beverage. Research shows that bottled water is the most environmentally responsible packaged drink choice.

Learn More

Responsible Water User

Did you know that out of all the water used in the United States each year, bottled water accounts for only 0.01%? You can find numerous false reports on the internet stating that the bottled water industry is using up available water supplies and selling products for big profits. The truth is that the bottled water industry cares deeply about protecting water resources generally, but especially in the communities where they have invested.

Learn More

Health

One of the simplest healthy lifestyle changes you can make is to drink water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages. In today’s on-the-go society, where most of what we drink comes in a package, bottled water is the smart choice to help eliminate or moderate calories, sugar, caffeine, artificial flavors or colors, and other ingredients from your diet.

Learn More

Emergency Response

Clean, safe water is a critical need for citizens and first responders immediately following a natural disaster or other catastrophic event. Unfortunately, the availability of water from public water systems is often compromised in the aftermath of such an event. During these times, bottled water is the best option to deliver clean safe drinking water quickly into affected areas.

Learn More

TYPES OF BOTTLED WATER
Today, most consumers get their bottled water from these main sources:

Spring Water

is water derived from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface of the earth.

Purified Water

is water that has been produced by distillation, deionization, reverse osmosis, or other suitable processes while meeting the definition of purified water in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia.

Mineral Water

is natural water containing not less than 250 parts per million total dissolved solids.

Sparkling Bottled Water

is water that, after treatment and possible replacement with carbon dioxide, contains the same amount of carbon dioxide that is had as it emerged from the source.

Artesian Water/Artesian Well Water

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.

Well Water

is water from a hole bored, drilled, or otherwise constructed in the ground, which taps the water aquifer.

Why is water the best choice for healthy hydration?

Find out by visiting the Hydration Health Center

The Hydration Health Center is developing tools—based on research—to help the public understand why you should choose “water first for thirst”!

POLICIES
H2O is the simple chemical formula for water; however, running a bottled water business—and yes, a bottled water association—involves a number of issues that seem complicated—but the facts provided below should help explain them.

Groundwater Management

Bottled water companies work hard to protect the environment and play an important role in promoting groundwater management.

Bottled Water Safety & Security

IBWA is dedicated to ensuring the safety and quality of bottled water. IBWA is committed to preventing potential adverse events, both natural and man-made, through monitoring and testing, risk assessment, appropriate controls and procedures, and diligence.

Bottled Water Labeling

IBWA supports a uniform, comprehensive system of labeling standards for bottled water at the national level that fully protects the public health and allows consumers easy access to clear and accurate information regarding bottled water.

Bottled Water Taxation

IBWA supports tax policies that promote bottled water job development, business investment in communities, and the development of bottled water resources. IBWA opposes all taxes, surcharges, fees, and levies specifically targeted against bottled water.

Bottled Water Packaging

IBWA is dedicated to the comprehensive management of bottled water packaging to provide the highest quality, cost effective, and environmentally responsible containers possible.

Environment

The bottled water industry demonstrates solid environmental leadership when it comes to water conservation and efficiency. Even with continuing growth and increased consumption, bottled water still has the smallest water and energy use footprint of any packaged beverage.

Groundwater Management

Bottled water companies work hard to protect the environment and play an important role in promoting groundwater management.

Bottled Water Safety & Security

IBWA is dedicated to ensuring the safety and quality of bottled water. IBWA is committed to preventing potential adverse events, both natural and man-made, through monitoring and testing, risk assessment, appropriate controls and procedures, and diligence.

Bottled Water Labeling

IBWA supports a uniform, comprehensive system of labeling standards for bottled water at the national level that fully protects the public health and allows consumers easy access to clear and accurate information regarding bottled water.

Bottled Water Labeling

IBWA supports a uniform, comprehensive system of labeling standards for bottled water at the national level that fully protects the public health and allows consumers easy access to clear and accurate information regarding bottled water.

Bottled Water Packaging

IBWA is dedicated to the comprehensive management of bottled water packaging to provide the highest quality, cost effective, and environmentally responsible containers possible.

Environment

The bottled water industry demonstrates solid environmental leadership when it comes to water conservation and efficiency. Even with continuing growth and increased consumption, bottled water still has the smallest water and energy use footprint of any packaged beverage.
HOW MUCH WATER SHOULD I DRINK A DAY?
HOW MUCH WATER SHOULD I DRINK A DAY?
–PRESS RELEASES

IBWA responds to new nanoparticle imaging study

International Bottled Water Association | Media Statement | January 8, 2024 The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) has had very limited notice and time to review this new study closely and therefore, we cannot provide a detailed response at this time. This...

Consumer packaging can have a new life today more than ever

International Bottled Water Association | News Release | November 15, 2023 Alexandria, VA – Technological advances at recycling facilities across the U.S. means more consumer packaging can be given a new life, an important step in increasing people’s confidence...

–H20 IN THE KNOW PODCAST

–BWR MAGAZINE