The fact that bottled water is losely regulated in comparison to tap water is getting major attention in the media. The reasons for this spotlight is that it has the potential of having a direct impact on public health. Bottled water is regulated by the FDA where as Tap water supplies are under EPA. As a rule of thumb, there is a positive corelation between better regulation and tougher enforcement of quality standards.
Bottled water manufacturers are not required to disclose as much information as municipal water utilities because of gaps in federal oversight authority, according to reports released yesterday by government auditors.
Bottom line: The Food and Drug Administration oversees bottled water, and U.S. EPA is in charge of tap water. FDA lacks the regulatory authority of EPA, John Stephenson of the Government Accountability Office told a House panel.
The Safe Drinking Water Act empowers EPA to require water testing by certified laboratories and that violations be reported within a specified time frame. Public water systems must also provide reports to customers about their water, noting its source, evidence of contaminants and compliance with regulations.
