SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- The quality of bottled water often does not live up to the images of pristine mountain streams that appear on some of the most popular labels, and in at least one case contains more of a cancer-causing chemical than allowed under California law.
Each of the 10 brands tested by the Environmental Working Group contained a varying mixture of 38 contaminants ranging from fertilizer and caffeine to a carcinogen.
KCBS' Janice Wright reports
All met federal guidelines for safe drinking water, meaning they are at least as safe as tap water. But one brand, the Sam’s Choice label used by Wal-Mart, contained enough cancer-causing trihalomethanes that the non-profit plans to bring a lawsuit.
“Bottled water may be no better than tap water in many cases,” said Renee Sharp, a senior analyst with the Environmental Working Group.
It’s no secret that many brands of water are simply municipal water bottled and shipped to stores, and an industry group said the findings are simply alarmist.
Wal-Mart spokesman said tests performed by the company did not turn up any reportable levels of contaminents. Water bottlers are not required to list ingredients, and most brands do not disclose information about filtration standards.
(jro)
Print Story
DW.pageParams = {
siteId: '255'
};
DW.clear();
DW.trackClicks();
