September 23, 2015
Alexandria, VA – On Monday, September 21, 2015, the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) and California Assemblymember Devon Mathis coordinated the donation of over 100,000 bottles of bottled water to the families of East Porterville and surrounding Tulare County. These areas are some of the hardest hit by California’s ongoing drought – many Porterville households have had no running water for almost two years.
IBWA was contacted by Assemblymember Mathis, who represents Tulare County and East Porterville, asking if California bottled water providers could organize a large-scale donation event. On Monday, September 21, four tractor trailers from IBWA member bottled water companies Absopure, CG Roxanne, Primo Water North America, and Nestle Waters North America rolled into East Porterville and together donated more than 15,000 gallons of bottled water.
“This event is a public example of what several California member bottled water companies have already been doing for some time and without any fanfare – helping communities in need by providing residents with safe, reliable bottled water during this very difficult drought,” said IBWA Vice President of Communications Chris Hogan, who was in Porterville, CA, for Monday’s delivery.
“We are honored to work with Assembly member Devon Mathis and Tulare County officials and helping to make today’s events a reality. We are also very appreciative of the Tulare County Office of Emergency Services for managing the donation event and ensuring the bottled water is distributed to those most in need. Finally, we thank Pastor Ramon Hernandez and Iglesias Emmanuel Church for hosting us today – and for all they do for the community of Porterville during this difficult time.”
“The bottled water industry wants to be part of the solution to California’s drought. We realize this effort provides only short-term relief and we know we can’t provide relief for every California community. However, we believe it’s important to engage and support where and when we can.”
“Bottled water is available in times such as these and during other emergencies and natural disasters because the industry is strong and viable throughout the year.”
In recognition of this significant event, the Tulare County Board of Supervisors issued a formal proclamation thanking IBWA and the participating member bottled water companies for the bottled water donation.
More information about bottled water can be found at www.bottledwater.org.
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Media Contact:
Jill Culora
jculora@bottledwater.org
703.647.4609
The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) is the authoritative source of information about all types of bottled waters, including spring, mineral, purified water, 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 set comprehensive and stringent standards for safe, high-quality bottled water products.
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.
IBWA is proud to help support Drink Up!, an initiative of former First Lady Michelle Obama and the Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA), which encourages everyone to drink more water more often – whether from the tap, a filter, or in a bottle. Choosing water is always the healthy choice.
Consumers can contact IBWA at 1-800-WATER-11 or visit IBWA's website (www.bottledwater.org) for more information about bottled water. Media inquiries can be directed to IBWA Vice President of Communications Jill Culora at 703-647-4609 or jculora@bottledwater.org.
