| Regulated by EPA |
Regulated by FDA |
| Cannot have confirmed E coli or fecal coliform bacteria |
A certain amount of any bacteria is allowed |
| Filtered and/or disinfected |
No federal disinfection requirements |
| Violation of drinking water standards is grounds for enforcement |
Water in violation of standards can still be bottled and sold |
| Must be tested by certified labs |
Testing by certified labs not required |
| Utilities must report test results to state and/or federal agencies |
Bottlers have no reporting requirements |
| Water system operators must be certified |
Bottled water plant operators do not have to be certified |
| Water suppliers must issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report |
Bottlers have no public right-to-know requirements |
| Costs pennies a day-about $04 per gallon |
Costs $.80 - $4 per gallon |
| Contains essential nutrients such as calcium and iron |
Some bottlers filter out nutrient minerals |
| Residual chlorine prevents bacterial growth |
No disinfectant to prevent bacterial growth as water ages |