WATER STORIES, NEWS & FACTS

2006

Water For the Holidays

As we move into the winter season with myriad celebrations and holiday activities, consumers are reminded to add bottled water to their holiday shopping lists. With its consistent clean taste and high quality, bottled water is the perfect accompaniment for flavorful holiday meals and a popular beverage to serve family and guests at festive gatherings. And for the same reasons consumers choose to drink bottled water, it can be used in recipes and other beverages in which water is an ingredient. 

�With all of the time and energy spent on preparing holiday meals and festivities, serving bottled water provides a beverage that won�t mask the flavor of food or pile additional calories on top of hearty meals,� said Stephen R. Kay, vice president of communications of the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA). �And by serving and drinking water at holiday parties, you are acting as a responsible host by providing beverages for designated drivers or as an additional beverage choice for those who choose to moderate their alcohol intake or not drink alcohol at all. So as you prepare for this holiday season, give a toast to safety and good health with bottled water.� 

Some consumers may not realize it, but bottled water is not just a summer drink. One reason is that winter is prime season for dehydration. The colder it is outside, the harder your body must work to maintain a 98.6 degree temperature�and that extra energy requires more water. Water plays a critical role in almost every bodily function, and we want consumers to remain at their best throughout the year. Moreover, for those considering a New Year�s resolution to lose weight, start now�water naturally suppresses the appetite and helps the body to metabolize fat. 

IBWA has developed a few �Holiday Hydration Tips� to keep you, your family and friends at your peak during the winter holiday season: 

* Take a bottle of water with you when skiing, ice-skating or shoveling snow; water will help you stay warm, it helps regulate your body temperature; 

* Replace high-calorie drinks such as eggnog or alcohol with a glass of sparkling water with a twist OR cut the calories by mixing a wine spritzer � halfwine, half sparkling water; 

* Serve a refreshing holiday punch by combining sparkling water with fruit punch and fruit garnish; 

* Provide bottled water for guests and designated drivers as an alternative to alcohol when entertaining. 

Source: Bottled Water Web.com

December 2006                                                                                                              Back to the Top                            

Water and Religion

Water plays a central role in many religions and beliefs around the world. Source of life, it represents (re)birth. Water cleans the body, and by extension purifies it, and these two main qualities confer a highly symbolic � even sacred - status to water. Water is therefore a key element in ceremonies and religious rites.  

Buddhism

Buddhism was born in the 6th century before the common era from the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. As his followers seek spiritual awakening through meditation and wisdom, rites are basically absent from this religion.

Water is, however, used in Buddhist funerals: it is poured to overflowing into a bowl placed before the monks and the dead body.

Christianity

Water is intrinsically linked to baptism, a public declaration of faith and a sign of welcome into the Christian church. When baptised, one is fully or partially immersed in water, or one�s head may simply be sprinkled with a few drops of water. The sacrament has its roots in the Gospel, wherein it is written that Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. In baptism, water symbolizes purification, the rejection of original sin.

In the New Testament, the 'living water' or 'water of life' represents the spirit of God, that is, eternal life.

Hinduism

Water is imbued with powers of spiritual purification for Hindus, for whom morning cleansing with water is an everyday obligation. All temples are located near a water source, and followers must bathe before entering the temple. Many pilgrimage sites are found on river banks; sites where two, or even three, rivers converge are considered particularly sacred.

There are seven sacred rivers: the Ganges, and the Godavari, Kaveri, Narmada, Sarasvati, Sindhu and Yamuna Rivers. According to Hindu beliefs, those who bathe in the Ganges or who leave part of themselves (hair, bones of the dead) on the left bank of the river will reach Svarga, the paradise of Indra, storm god.

Funeral rites are always held near rivers; the son of the deceased pours water on the burning funeral pyre so that the soul cannot escape and return to Earth as a ghost. When the fire reaches the deceased�s skull, the mourners bathe and then go home. The ashes are collected three days after cremation, and several days later, are thrown into a holy river.

The myth of the Great Flood is contained in some Hindu scriptures, and tells the tale of how Manu, the first man, was rescued from the flood by a fish (the god Brahma), who lead him to the Himalayas until the waters receded.

Islam

For Muslims, water serves above and beyond all for purification. There are three sorts of ablutions:

- The first and most important involves washing the whole body; it is obligatory after sex, and recommended before the Friday prayers and before touching the Koran.

- Before each of the five daily prayers, Muslims must bathe their head, wash their hands, forearms and feet. All mosques provide a water source, usually a fountain, for this ablution.

- When water is scarce, followers of Islam use sand to cleanse themselves; this is the third form of ablution.

Judaism

Jews use water for ritual cleansing to restore or maintain a state of purity. Hand-washing before and after meals is obligatory.

Although ritual baths, or mikveh, were once extremely important in Jewish communities, they are less so now; they remain, however, compulsory for converts. Men attend mikveh on Fridays and before large celebrations, women before their wedding, after giving birth and after menstruation.

The first book of the Bible, Genesis, tells the story of Creation and of the Great Flood. To punish humans for their disobedience, God sent a torrential rain down upon the Earth, for forty days and forty nights: safe on an ark, Noah, his family, and two of each species of animal alone were spared. The flood washed away the sins of the world so that it could be reborn, free from impurity.

 

 November 2006                                                                                                                        Back to the Top

THE ORIGIN OF SPRING WATER

Fundamentally, natural spring waters owe their chattels to the rock strata through which it filters.  The water begins as rain or snow, is both filtered by and picks up minerals from the geological formations that it passes through.  Rain or melted snow simply filters through permeable soil or rock until it is stopped underground by impervious rock, such as clay or granite.  Shallow springs emerge at the junction of permeable and impermeable rocks, close to the surface.  Mineral waters usually come from much deeper aquifers from which the water rises through fissures under the pressure created by superimposed layers.  The very fact that the aquifer is thus sealed off above from ground water maintains purity and unchanging mineral content.  This process can take years; in essence, the water matures, like a fine wine.  It can take centuries for water to reach its source.

Although other minor elements are often present, minerals found in natural waters consist largely of calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, carbonate, sulfate and chloride.  One of the most common trace elements is fluoride, which as we know, is good for the teeth. Mineral content varies of spring water varies largely due to the geology of the region.  Limestone, for example, will make water rich in calcium, dolomites provide magnesium, and rocks resulting from volcanic action will bestow sodium.  Austrian water, of volcanic origin, was found to be so full of sodium and bicarbonates that it actually contains 5,400 milligrams per liter of mineral salts.  In great contrast, water tested in France was found to have a mere 12 milligrams per liter and could actually be regarded as distilled water.  It has been determined that lightly mineralized water is one that possesses less than 500 milligrams per liter, medium mineralization is up to 1,000 milligrams per liter, and high mineralization is anything over 1,000 milligrams per liter, but precise definitions vary from country to country.

October  2006                                                                                                                           Back to the Top

September is "Back To School" Month

and what better way to start the school year right than to learn about water! That's what 3rd grade teacher Lisanne Larsen and 6th grade student Sam Houser are doing.

The teacher-student pair have come up with very creative ad ideas for Glaceau, the people that make "Smartwater". Glaceau may have a new ad agency!

Suggested  Advertisement #1:

I�m a 3rd grade teacher, Sam is a 6th grader.  Situation:  Sam isn�t paying attention while riding his bike, falls, then I show up with a bottle of smart water.  Sam says, �Gee, that was really stupid of me.�  And I say, ��Drink some smart water.�  Lisanne Larsen

Suggested  Advertisement #2:

3rd grade teacher Mrs. Larsen sends your company (Glaceau)  an e-mail yesterday and forgets to include the return e-mail address.  She sends the e-mail quickly since the morning bell rings earlier than expected.  

Then she says, �Oh no Sammy!  I forgot to give them my e-mail!  That was really stupid!� 

Sam replies, �You really need some smart water Mrs. Larsen!�, as he hands me a fresh, cool bottle.

Our thanks to Sam Houser and Lisanne Larsen for their contribution.

September  2006                                                                                                                           Back to the Top

Water Museum Opens In New York City

"We are on a mission to create entertainment centers that act as an ambassador for water, its protection, and our children's future access to clean and ample water. Our purpose is to create the world's clearinghouse for all water related themes and to do it in an entertaining and accessible fashion that engages as wide an audience as possible and brings joy and wonder to peoples lives."

What is the New York Museum of Water?

The New York Museum of Water is the first and only public museum in the United States solely dedicated to water and the only one in the world to provide a global perspective on this ubiquitous yet often hidden element. It features the most comprehensive collection of water-related artifacts and exhibits ever placed on public display. The stories of individual human beings in contact with water, told through film, interactives, and state-of-the-art exhibits, provide a dynamic context to foster an understanding of water and its impact on current and historic events. In addition to the Museum, the Complex includes a Museum Store, private dining and event facilities, an exclusive spa, a nightly running water show and a public cafe.

What is the New York Museum of Water's Mission?

The mission of the New York Museum of Water is to educate the public about water in an engaging manner and to provide a dynamic context that fosters understanding of its important role in, and impact on, current and historic events. In the words of the Museum's Founder, Asher Shomrone "The NY Museum of WATER is more than history - more than information or entertainment - its mission is to reflect the significance of water as arguably the greatest driving component of our human culture."

What else can the New York Museum of Water contribute?

The Museum contributes to the public's understanding of the critical role of water in the world throughout history to the present day. The Museum has tremendous potential to contribute to future research, publication and public discussion about the world of water including commerce, transportation, energy, economy, national security, and the breakthrough developments in science and technology which have so characterized our times.

How can the Museum maintain a non-political and international perspective?

The Museum presents the world history and current events of water within a context that will allow visitors to draw their own judgments and conclusions. The focus of the NY Museum of Water is on humans touched by water, not political ideology. Our research indicates that valuing water is universal and that the degree of value, emphasis and reverence for water that a culture has is related to the quality of life of the people. We raise the profile of water wherever it exists, and strive to serve by uncovering the phenomenon of hidden water that permeates all aspects of our lives.

Are there other "water" museums?

The subject of water is addressed at several other institutions both nationally and internationally. Unlike the NY Museum of Water, they focus on a specific time period or use (e.g. power), maritime history, a municipal system or event (e.g. tsunami). The New York Museum of Water is the first and only museum of its kind that does not limit its interpretation of water by geography, limited field of interest or specific time periods. We share the previously untold story of humans and water on earth.

August  2006                                                                                                                                         Back to the Top

• There is no correlation between the increased consumption of bottled water and an increase in cavities. In fact, bottled water does not contain ingredients that cause cavities and is often a replacement for beverages and foods that may contribute to poor dental health.
  
   
• The bottled water industry offers both fluoridated and non-fluoridated brands to provide consumers with choice, quality and convenience. A number of IBWA-member companies produce fluoridated bottled water for consumers who want fluoride in their drinking water and wish to choose bottled water. For a list of IBWA member companies that produce fluoridated bottled water, visit the IBWA web site at http://www.bottledwater.org/public/fluorida.htm.
  
   
• There are many sources of fluoride, and the amount of fluoride exposure varies greatly by community and individual. Consumers should consider how much fluoride they are receiving as part of their overall diet and contact their health care or dental care provider for their recommendation. Exposure to higher than recommended levels of fluoride can lead to a condition called fluorosis, which can result in stains to the teeth.
  
   
• FDA regulations specifically permit fluoride to be added to bottled water and set limits on the amount of fluoride that can be in bottled water; whether naturally occurring or added by the bottled water company.
  
   
• The bottled water industry is comprehensively regulated as a packaged food product by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which mandates stringent standards to help ensure bottled water's consistent safety, quality and good taste. By law, FDA bottled water standards must be at least as stringent and protective of public health as U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tap water standards. FDA requires bottled water to comply with bottled water-specific safety and health standards, as well as regulations required of all food products.
  
   
• Bottled water products are required to comply at all times with FDA Standards of Quality. As with other food products, bottled water is subject to the food adulteration and misbranding requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and is subject to the full array of FDA enforcement actions including warning letters, civil (seizure and/or injunction) and criminal penalties. As with other food products, bottled water may be recalled from the marketplace.

Who Drinks the Most Bottled Water In The United States?

2005 Estimated Bottled Water Consumption

Source: Beverage Marketing Corporation.

June 2006								Back to the Top

Stringent Federal, State and Industry Standards Help Ensure Safety, Quality
                               and Good Taste

    ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Newly-released statistics by
Beverage Marketing Corporation (http://www.beveragemarketing.com) show that
U.S. bottled water sales and consumption continue to rise, as consumers
increasingly choose bottled water over other commercial beverages. This
upward trend was reflected in 2005 when total bottled water volume exceeded
7.5 billion gallons, a 10.7 percent increase over 2004; and the 2005
bottled water per capita consumption level of 26.1 gallons increased by
over two gallons, from the 23.8 gallons per capita the previous year.
Additionally, the wholesale dollar sales for bottled water exceeded $10
billion in 2005, a 9.2 percent increase over the $9.2 billion in 2004.
These statistics demonstrate continued consumer demand and appreciation for
the convenience and good taste of bottled water brands consumed on-the-go,
during exercise, at restaurants or meetings, and at home or the office.
However, consumers should also know that bottled water safety and quality
result from multiple layers of regulation and standards at the federal,
state and industry levels.
    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) fully regulates bottled
water as a packaged food product with stringent standards for safety,
quality, production, labeling, and identity. State governments also
regulate bottled water and members of the International Bottled Water
Association (IBWA) are required to comply with additional standards which
are verified through annual, unannounced plant inspections by an
independent, third-party organization.
    Along with FDA's general Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), which are
required of all foods, bottled water must further comply with other
applicable FDA regulations, including Standards of Identity, Standards of
Quality and additional, specific bottled water GMPs. Being a packaged food
product, bottled water is also bound by the Nutrition Labeling Education
Act (NLEA) and the full range of FDA protective measures designed to help
ensure product safety and protect consumers. States also have authority to
regulate bottled water and also serve to inspect, sample, analyze and
approve bottled water sources. Testing laboratory certification is another
area where states may regulate bottled water. As part of the IBWA Bottled
Water Code of Practice, IBWA members voluntarily utilize the principles of
HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) for a science-based
approach to bottled water production and safety. FDA recognizes HACCP as a
key component of food safety and consumer protection.
    "While all beverages have their role in a marketplace with an abundance
of drink choices," says Stephen R. Kay, IBWA Vice President of
Communications, "consumers are choosing bottled water as a refreshing,
hydrating beverage and as an alternative to drinks that may contain
calories, caffeine, sugar, artificial colors, alcohol or other ingredients,
which they may wish to moderate or avoid. For instance, during 2005,
bottled water containers of 1.5 liters (50 oz) and smaller, accounted for
52.8% of the volume of bottled water sold, indicating that consumers are
choosing bottled water in lieu of other packaged beverages."
    For an overview of bottled water regulations and standards and other
bottled water information, visit the IBWA web site at
http://www.bottledwater.org.
    The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) is the authoritative
source of information about all types of bottled waters. 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, and state governments to set stringent standards for safe, high
quality bottled water products. Additionally, IBWA requires member bottlers
to 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 an annual unannounced plant inspection by an
independent, third party organization.SOURCE International Bottled Water Association

May 2006							           Back to the Top

Energize With Chilled Water

 Studies show that when you drink small amounts of chilled water every 20-30 minutes during the day, you provide a strong, clear and continual signal to your body to keep your energy level elevated. In addition you improve your overall health and resistance to illness. While it is not yet a scientific fact, studies by Dr. Darden, the exercise scientist who has been the Director of research for Nautilus Sports/Medical Industries of Colorado Springs, suggest that you even get more energized by drinking ice cold water than water at room temperature. He says, � A gallon of ice cold water requires more than 200 calories of heat energy to warm it to core body temperature of 98.6 degrees.�  This process requires almost one calorie to warm one ounce of cold water to body temperature. Thus, the heat energy that your body creates to warm the cold water provides you with more energy for your life. Excerpted from �Become An Energy Addict� by Jon Gordon, MA. To learn more about this book, and to get a free copy Click here.

April  2006                                                                                                                                      Back to the Top

The Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting

February 2006

Two Ohio towns captured gold and silver medals Saturday night at the Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, International Water Tasting competition for the world's best tasting drinking water. Montpelier won first place, followed by Kent. Sparwood of British Columbia, Canada, won the bronze, while West Virginia's La Sage Natural Wells finished fourth. More than 70 waters representing a dozen countries and 22 states competed for medals in the four categories of municipal, purified, bottled noncarbonated and sparkling water. Waters were judged on appearance, aroma, taste, feel in the mouth and aftertaste. The best non-carbonated bottled water was Great Glacier of Oxford, Wis., followed by Ontario Gold Beverage of Barrie, Ontario, Canada. Virginia's Best of Edinburg, Va. and Llanllyr Source, United Kingdom tied for third. In the purified drinking category, Claire Baie of Oak Creek, Wis., finished first, followed by StoneClear Springs Natural of Vanleer, Tenn.; Water Boyz of Santa Fe, N.M.; and Chill of Mechanicsville, Va. The best carbonated bottled water was Antipodes of Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. Dobra Voda Sparkling of Republic of Macedonia finished second, followed by Celvik Tesanj of Bosnia and Pian della Mussa of Balme, Italy. Waiwera Infinity Artesian Water of New Zealand won the best package design.

March 2006                                                                                                                                        Back to the Top

San Francisco Spends Big on Bottled Water

San Francisco, owner of a pristine reservoir in the Sierra Nevada with a reputation for producing some of the country's best-tasting tap water, has spent more than $2 million of taxpayers' money in the past 4 1/2 years on bottled water, public records show.  From the mayor's office in City Hall to the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park, city employees and politicians enjoy individual bottles and jugs from the water cooler even though in many cases a faucet is nearby.  Among the thirstiest departments and agencies in San Francisco during the city's last fiscal year: Public Health, which spent $139,926 on bottled water; the Municipal Railway, which spent $65,780; and San Francisco International Airport, which spent $65,670, according to the records.  Even the city's Public Utilities Commission -- which performed a blind taste test on the street during National Drinking Water Week last May to convince people that tap water from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park is at least as good as the stuff at the store -- spent $8,622 on bottled water.  San Francisco Chronicle_ 1/26/06

February 2006                                                                                                                                  Back to the Top

 Source: Beverage World Online

January 2006                                                                                                                              Back to the Top