Drinking Water Compliance

There are many water companies who attract customers through a statement such as “RO and UV treated 100% pure and safe water" however the reality is quite different.

There is a number of water manufacturing units in the city selling 'drinking' water in chilled cans and jars. In manufacturing units there is a number of containers which are usually unpackaged and unsealed, such units are considered as unhygienic.

It has been found that such units were operating without a license from Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) or Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Water was stored in shocking condition. It is mandatory to obtain FSSAI license from such authorities for selling packaged drinking water. For manufacture and sale of packaged drinking water, guidelines have been prescribed by such authorities.

According to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), there must be sufficient space for the following such as:

•       Separate Laboratory;
•       Raw Water Storage Facility;
•       Packing Area And
•       Loading and Unloading Points.

Usually, most of the activities are happening at the same place such as water storage, Reverse Osmosis (RO) set-up, chilling. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) states that such units should not be in low-lying areas such as basements. 

Due to close to sewer or drainage lines groundwater will be highly contaminated, therefore units should not close to them. Sometimes due to heavy expenses, RO is not used because of which contaminated water is supplied to consumers.

General public suffers from severe health issues such as food poisoning due to unhygienic water. Unpackaged water affects public health. Water chillers used by these units are very harmful to public health as gases which are used to chill water are extremely dangerous.

According to sources, there is a large number of drinking water units who do not possess FSSAI License but only have certification from BIS license. It is mandatory to obtain FSSAI license for which authority has issued an order to state food commissioner to compel these water companies to obtain a license.

It is required to adhere all quality and regulatory norms. Packaged drinking water must be manufactured under a valid license issued by the relevant authority. All water companies must have complied with all regulations and obtained required permissions.