"The survey findings show that most Americans have a bit further to go for emergency preparation," said Stephen R. Kay, IBWA Vice President of Communications. "While it is important that consumers store water from any source, they will find that properly stored bottled water is an excellent resource for emergency preparedness."
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which comprehensively regulates bottled water, has not established a shelf life for bottled water. IBWA advises consumers to store bottled water in properly sealed containers at room temperature (or cooler), out of direct sunlight and away from solvents and chemicals such as gasoline, paint thinner, household cleaners and dry cleaning chemicals.
Bottled water is an excellent choice for emergency preparedness as it is highly regulated by stringent federal and state regulations and industry standards that help ensure its consistent safety and quality. FDA regulates bottled water as a packaged food product and, by law, FDA's bottled water regulations must be at least as stringent as the U.S. Environmental Agency's (EPA) standards for public water. Bottled water also must meet state regulations; and all IBWA members must adhere to the IBWA Model Code with standards that are, in some cases, more stringent than FDA, state or EPA public drinking water standards. The IBWA Model Code requires all bottler members to undergo an annual, unannounced plant inspection by an internationally recognized third-party inspection organization.
Source: International Bottled Water Association
