In Reply to: re: re: re: epa and galway water supply posted by Jackobite on April 04, 2007 at 10:55:34:

Thanks for that J - found this bit on the WHO site:

... some substances may prove more difficult to manage in bottled than tap water. This is generally because bottled water is stored for longer periods and at higher temperatures than water distributed in piped distribution systems. Control of materials used in containers and closures for bottled waters is, therefore, of special concern. In addition, some micro-organisms, which are normally of little or no public health significance, may grow to higher levels in bottled waters. This growth appears to occur less frequently in gasified water and in water bottled in glass containers compared to still water and water bottled in plastic containers. However, the public health significance of this remains little understood, especially for vulnerable individuals, such as infants and children, pregnant women, immuno-compromised individuals and the elderly. In regard to infants, as bottled water is not sterile, it should be disinfected - for example, by boiling for one minute - prior to its use in the preparation of infant formula.

There have also been reports of fraud in which ordinary tap water has been added to used mineral water bottles and sold as the original article. Consumers may not be able to detect this by taste alone and, if concern is warranted, should examine the closures of bottled waters carefully before purchase and insist on seeing bottles opened in their presence in restaurants and other food and beverage service establishments.......

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The report goes on to debunk the idea that hard water has health benefits as opposed to soft water.

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Checked out the FSAI website searched for bottled water and found this:
The FSAI has received a number of queries about statements which indicate that the plastic used to manufacture drinks bottles (a material called polyethylene terephthalate or PET) contains a potentially carcinogenic cancer-causing element, diethylhydroxylamine or DEHA. It has also been stated that repeated rinsing and reuse of such bottles can cause the plastic to break down, resulting in release of the DEHA into the liquid contained in the bottle. These statements appear on the internet or are sent by e-mail and purport to come from the Australian Department of Natural Resources and Mines.

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Following testing of bottled water carried out by environmental health officers of the HSE, the specialist food distributor Vejas, Churchfield Business Park, Cork, has initiated the withdrawal of two batches of mineral water due to levels of arsenic and lead above that prescribed by the European Communities (Natural Mineral Waters, Spring Waters and Other Waters in Bottles or Containers) Regulations 2005 (S.I. No. 79 of 2005).

The affected products are:

Vytautas Natural Mineral Water

0.5 L Bottle, Best before 15.06.2007

Batch L610

Vytautas Natural Mineral Water

1.5 L Bottle, Best before: 13.09.2007

Batch L969

Vejas, Cork has contacted all premises supplied with the product to make them aware of the withdrawal.

While the levels identified are in excess of those prescribed, there is no immediate risk to consumers’ health from the water.

• World Health Organisation - Bottled Water