Lyla Lindsey
Bottled water is a controversial topic in Australia, with many people questioning its safety, sustainability, and cost. While the country has access to safe drinking tap water, the bottled water industry continues to grow, with Australians spending an average of $580 per person on bottled water in 2021. This has raised concerns about the environmental impact of plastic pollution and the health hazards associated with microplastics and chemicals found in bottled water. The production of bottled water is also resource-intensive, requiring crude oil and extra water, contributing to its high cost. Despite these concerns, the Australian bottled water market is expected to expand, driven by health considerations and the perception of bottled water as a luxury item.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sources of bottled water | Tap water, natural springs, rainwater wells, distillation |
| Bottled water varieties | Still, sparkling, flavoured |
| Bottled water market share | Still water (10%), sparkling water (3%) |
| Annual bottled water sales in Australia | $1 billion in 2019 |
| Bottled water consumption in Australia | 15L per person per year |
| Cost of bottled water | Up to 1000 times more than tap water |
| Cost components | Bottle, lid, and label (over 90%) |
| Health concerns | Microplastics, chemicals, water-borne pollutants, fertilizer residue, toxic by-products of chlorination |
| Regulatory bodies | Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ), National Health and Medical Research Council |
| Environmental impact | Plastic pollution, carbon footprint, water wastage |
| Alternatives | Home water filters, reusable bottles, SodaStream |
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What You'll Learn
Bottled water sources
Bottled water is sourced from a variety of places in Australia, and its safety and quality are regulated by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ). However, it is important to note that FSANZ has no obligation to ensure that bottled water is safer than tap water, and there are no regulations requiring disinfection.
One of the most common sources of bottled water is spring water, which is collected from underground sources, either directly from the spring or through boreholes. Spring water is the most popular type of bottled water in Australia, with brands like Mount Franklin capitalising on the perception of purity and health associated with spring water. Other categories of bottled water include mineral water, which has less than 250 parts per million of dissolved solids, and sparkling water, which contains carbon dioxide.
Bottled water can also be sourced from plain tap water, often without any further treatment or filtration. This practice raises concerns about the potential presence of water-borne pollutants, fertilizer residues, and toxic by-products of chlorination in the bottled water. Additionally, the plastic used for bottling can introduce chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA), which has been linked to health issues.
Another source of bottled water is rainwater, collected from wells or through distillation. While some companies promote their water as sourced from pristine natural springs, it is challenging to verify these claims, and the reality may differ significantly from the marketing imagery. Furthermore, the mass production of natural spring water by a single company is logically questionable.
Australia also imports bottled water from various countries, including New Zealand, where fortified beverages are permitted due to more liberal standards. The importation of bottled water contributes to the carbon footprint of the industry, adding to the environmental concerns associated with plastic pollution from single-use bottles.
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Bottling processes
The Model Code ensures safety, quality, and environmental responsibility. It requires that any ABWI-certified plant have at least one staff member who has completed the ABWI Quality Assurance Certificate (QAC) course on duty whenever the facility is operational. The QAC course must be retaken every three years to maintain certification.
The sources of water for bottling include tap water, natural springs, rainwater wells, and distillation. Spring water, the most popular type of bottled water in Australia, is collected at the source, either directly from the spring or through a borehole. Mineral water, another category, contains less than 250 parts per million of dissolved solids. Sparkling water is infused with carbon dioxide, and 'near' water is flavoured without sugar or fortified with vitamins.
Bottled water is a controversial topic due to concerns about its safety, environmental impact, and cost. Studies have found microplastics and chemicals in bottled water, and it is estimated to be up to 1000 times more expensive than tap water. Additionally, the production of bottled water is a resource-intensive process that contributes to plastic pollution and has a significant carbon footprint.
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Quality and safety standards
In Australia, the quality and safety standards of bottled water are regulated by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) via the Food Safety standards and are enforced by state- and territory-level food authorities. However, the FSANZ has no obligation to ensure that bottled water is safer than tap water, and there are no regulations mandating the disinfection of bottled water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which regulates the Australian water supply, has no regulatory power over bottled water.
The Australian Beverages Council, a leading industry body representing the non-alcoholic beverage sector, has developed an extraction map to provide stakeholders with information on water extraction for commercial bottling purposes. Members of the Council involved in water bottling must adhere to the Australasian Bottled Water Institute (ABWI) Model Code, which ensures safety, quality, and environmental responsibility. The Model Code requires ABWI-certified plants to have staff who have completed the ABWI Quality Assurance Certificate (QAC) course. The QAC course must be retaken every three years to maintain the qualification.
The IBWA's Guide to Bottled Water Safety and Quality Standards outlines a multi-barrier approach to help ensure the safety and quality of bottled water products. This approach includes measures such as source protection, source monitoring, reverse osmosis, distillation, filtration, ozonation, and ultraviolet (UV) light to prevent contamination. IBWA members are also required to employ a HACCP approach to quality assurance, scrutinizing every step of the production process and implementing systems to ensure that all safety and quality control processes are effective.
Bottled water is considered a packaged food product and is subject to various regulations and standards. In the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates bottled water, requiring compliance with standards of quality and labelling requirements. The FDA does not mandate the use of certified laboratories for water quality testing or the reporting of test results, but labels must list ingredients and nutritional information.
In Australia, tap water is generally considered to be of the same quality as bottled water and is monitored more carefully. Tap water must meet more stringent quality criteria set by the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and is regularly tested by water utilities to ensure quality and safety.
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Environmental impact
Bottled water is a controversial topic in Australia, with growing awareness of its environmental impact. The production and consumption of bottled water have several negative consequences for the environment, which has led to increasing calls for consumers to avoid it.
Firstly, the creation of plastic bottles has a significant environmental impact. Plastic bottles are made from oil, with an estimated 50 million litres of oil used annually in Australia to manufacture plastic bottles. The extraction of oil releases greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. Additionally, only about 36% of plastic bottles are recycled, resulting in over 400 million bottles ending up in landfills each year. The recycling process itself is not without issues, as recycled plastic is often "down-cycled" into other products, requiring more crude oil to create new bottles.
Secondly, the bottling process requires substantial water and energy usage. It takes seven litres of water and 1.5 megajoules of energy to produce a single litre of bottled water. This inefficiency becomes more critical during times of drought and climate change, as water and energy efficiency become crucial.
The transportation of bottled water also contributes to the environmental impact. In some cases, it can take more than a litre of gasoline to transport a single bottle of water, further adding to greenhouse gas emissions.
The sourcing of water for bottling is another area of concern. Bottled water companies often extract water from springs, which may not be able to support the amount of water being taken, leading to springs drying up. Additionally, there is a lack of transparency regarding the sources of bottled water, making it difficult to trace the water back to its supposed origin.
The impact of plastic bottles on human health is also a growing concern. There are potential health risks associated with the leaching of chemicals, such as BPA, and hormones from plastic into the water. These concerns have led to recommendations for consumers to use reusable bottles and drink tap water, which is known for its high quality in Australia.
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Cost and consumer trends
Bottled water is largely purchased for convenience, according to the Australian Beverages Council. Despite being a product that comes in well under 1 cent per litre, bottled water in Australia is the most expensive in the world, costing an average of $5.40 per unit. This is almost double the price in North America and Europe, and about four times the price in Asia and Africa. Despite this, Australians are the second-biggest consumers of bottled water globally, spending an average of $580 per person on 504 litres of bottled water in 2021. This is due to the growing health consciousness among consumers, with bottled water being perceived as a healthy alternative to sugary drinks.
The Australian bottled water market has witnessed rapid growth in recent years, with a projected growth rate of 3.6% between 2023 and 2030. This growth is driven by consumers seeking safe, clean, and convenient hydration options, as well as a trend towards functional bottled water with added vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes. The market also includes efforts to meet environmental sustainability practices, with an emphasis on sustainable practices and eco-friendly packaging solutions.
The bottled water industry in Australia faces challenges, such as the environmental impacts of plastic waste and public concerns surrounding this issue. Strong branding is essential for companies to differentiate their products, as most bottled water products taste and look similar. Sales at convenience stores and petrol stations are a key market for the industry, and these sales depend on consumer foot traffic and car usage. The industry has also been impacted by high inflation, rising interest rates, and falling consumer sentiment, with a decline in bulk water sales to offices due to the work-from-home culture.
Overall, the Australian bottled water market is expected to continue growing, driven by health and wellness considerations, convenience, and a trend towards functional and environmentally-friendly options.
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Frequently asked questions
Still, sparkling, and flavoured. Mineral water and spring water are also popular.
Natural springs, rainwater wells, tap water, and distillation are all sources of bottled water.
Bottling companies must adhere to the Model Code of the Australasian Bottled Water Institute (ABWI), which ensures safety, quality, and environmental responsibility. The ABWI Model Code is the only dedicated bottled water standard in Australia.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the Australian water supply, enforcing guidelines to ensure safe levels of contaminants. However, the EPA does not have regulatory power over bottled water; Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) are responsible, but they are not obligated to ensure bottled water is safer than tap water.
Bottled water in Australia is generally considered safe to drink, with regulations in place to ensure its quality. However, studies have found microplastics and chemicals in bottled water, and it is also a significant contributor to plastic pollution.
