Dear Editor:
I was shocked, but more disappoint-ed when I read the January interview with Fred Elwell, AWWA President, and his comments on bottled water.
For him to state falsely that “bottled water is not regulated” is beyond my comprehension. Mr. Elwell sat for many years on the EPA Drinking Water Advisory Council, heard myself and other testifying on the “regulations” of our industry, has been shown documentation of federal law and of FDA regulations applicable to bottled water, and should know that bottled water is not only regulated but well regulated, better than tap water in most cases.
Mr. Elwell should also know that by legislation, bottled water in California and other leading states meets higher standards and more comprehensive regulations than public water supplies.
False statements such as Elwell’s reflect poorly on the attitude of public water suppliers toward viable alternatives such as bottled water and point of use.
They may suggest to some that AWWA is more interested in depressing the bottled water industry than in educating consumers.
William F. Deal, CAE
Executive Vice President
International Bottled Water Assoc.