Re: Guest Commentary: Tap Water is Cheaper and Better than Bottled (Gigi Kellett, June 1, 2008)
Dear Editor:
Whether bottled or tap, Nestlé Waters North America supports people drinking more water. For three-quarters of consumers, it’s not an either/or choice: they drink both. Why? They want simple, calorie-free refreshment and choose water in one format or another depending on where they are.
There is, nevertheless, a difference between what comes from a bottle or a tap. Our spring water brands come from groundwater sources, are bottled under sanitary conditions, tested 6,000 times/day across our plants and delivered in a sealed container. When tap water is used as a source for purified water, it undergoes intensive filtration beyond what most public suppliers can do.
Also contrary to what Kellett suggests, by law, FDA regulations for bottled water must be as strong and protective of public health as the EPA’s regulations for tap water. Our water quality reports for all our brands can be found at Nestlé Waters.
Anti-bottled water campaigns target one of the healthiest and most environmentally-conscious packaged beverage options. It uses less water and plastic to produce. Our track record of environmental stewardship includes LEED-certified plants and packaging innovations such as the Eco-Shape bottle, which has up to 30% less plastic than comparable containers, reducing energy consumption and emissions.
During a time when our country faces significant health challenges, including elevated rates of obesity and diabetes in children, bottled water is an important choice. Shouldn’t we try to find comprehensive solutions for waste, without ridding ourselves of healthful options?
We urge people to consider all the facts.
Sincerely,
Jane Lazgin
Director, Corporate Communications
Nestlé Waters North America
777 West Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830
(203) 863-0111
