This week, IBWA urged the House of Representatives in a letter to focus on all water users and not just target the bottled water industry when studying the impact of groundwater withdrawals on the environment. The House is poised to pass several appropriations bills, one of which includes language initiating “research that examines the hydrologic impact of extraction of water for bottling on water tables, on concentrations of contaminants, on saltwater intrusion into the groundwater, and to better understand water availability.” In its letter, IBWA points out that this unjustifiably focuses only on the impact of the bottled water industry, which uses a very small percentage of groundwater in the United States. CLICK HERE to view the letter. 

 

IBWA argued four main points in the letter, including:

• The bottled water industry is a conscientious user and responsible steward of groundwater. 
• The bottled water industry uses just 0.02 percent of all groundwater used in the United States each year.
• Bottled water uses less water and energy to produce our product than any other packaged beverage manufacturer.
• Bottled water is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and by law must be as protective of the public health as tap water.

This language may be included in appropriations bills passed in the House. IBWA is reaching out to senators now to encourage their review of this language and either alter to study the impact of all groundwater users on the environment or remove the language altogether. 

 

For more information on this issue, please contact IBWA Vice President of Government Relations Cory Martin: 703.647.4618 or cmartin@bottledwater.org.