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May 26, 2010 (Toronto)

In light of a media story today which reported results of testing on several brands of bottled water, Justin Sherwood, President of Refreshments Canada, offers the following statement:

"Not all bottled water is created equally.  When consumers choose our member companies' brands, which start with water from the municipal supply and then go through a rigorous multi-step filtration and purification process known as reverse osmosis, they can rest assured that they are getting a product that meets the highest possible standards for safety and quality.

Our member companies have an uncompromising commitment to product safety and quality. Everywhere we operate, we adhere not only to all local government safety regulations, but also to our own rigorous quality control standards.
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The process to our members' bottled water begins with the municipal water supply - meaning the water has already been treated to the equivalent of what comes out of your tap at home. We then put the water through a multi-step filtration process to remove any remaining particles and organic compounds. Our reverse osmosis process is so fine, that if you were to stretch one square foot of the filter membrane across the Pacific Ocean, each pore would only be the size of a dime! This process ensures the same consistent taste and quality in every bottle.

Additionally, bottled water, like all beverages, is regulated in Canada and must meet the highest standards set by Health Canada. Our production facilities are regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and have stringent quality measures. All of our products, including bottled water, are tested at the beginning and end of each production run, and hourly during production.

We believe that Canadians don't have to choose between our bottled water and tap water - both are safe choices to stay hydrated. Bottled water provides Canadians with the added value that they are available in convenient packages, are cooled for immediate consumption, are portable and re-sealable and are available when and where people want to consume a consistently safe, high quality drinking water that tastes good."

Refreshments Canada is the national trade association representing the broad spectrum of brands and companies that manufacture and distribute the majority of non-alcoholic liquid refreshment beverages consumed in Canada.

For more information contact:

Justin Sherwood
President, Refreshments Canada

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