Natural mineral water is usually water from underground sources that's packaged close to the foundation and meets the specified quality standards with no processing.
What is packaged normal water?
Packaged drinking water uses water from any source which needs to be treated and disinfected, an activity that could involve filtration, UV or ozone treatment or reverse osmosis (RO) before it is fit for human consumption.
What are the basic requirements for establishing a packaged drinking water plant?
There are generally 4 sections in a packaged drinking water plant: water treatment, bottling, quality control (lab) and overall utility.
Generally, a typical 2000 LPH packaged normal water plant needs:
Total space: 5000 Sq. Ft built up area with 3000 Sq. Ft of covered area
Power: 65 HP
Raw water: Approximately 3000 LPH of natural water of which 70 %70 % will be used and 30 percent30 % will be rejected. That is, however, an indicative quantity as it depends on the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) of the raw water.
Project cost : Rs. 75 lakh approximately which includes the expense of machinery, utilities, home furniture etc (Note - the price was approximated in 2013).
What is the price tag on mineral water and packaged normal water?
According to market sources, a litre of packaged drinking water is Rs. 10-12 while natural mineral water starts at about Rs 20 a litre and can rise to Rs 125.
How much of water is used to make a litre of bottled drinking water?
According to the International Bottled Water Association, it takes on average an estimated 1.39 litres of water to produce a litre of bottled water.
What forms of licenses/approvals are required?
The following licenses/ approvals should be obtained for establishing a packaged drinking water plant in India:
Small scale industries registration
ISI qualification from Bureau of Indian Specifications (BIS)
Pollution control certificate
Water test report from an authorized laboratory of raw water
Pest control certification
Certificates from chemist, microbiologist
Medical certificates for workers
No objection certificate (NOC) from Gram Panchayat, if applicable
Registration of trademark
Documents related to ownership of land/lease of land for setting up the plant
Memorandum of association of companies/partnership deed, if applicable.
Electrical load sanction
Sanction layout plan
Is the packaged water market in India regulated?
Yes, it is compulsory for all the manufacturers who intend to set up processing units, to get the ISI mark from the Bureau of India Criteria. Packaged Natural Mineral Water is governed under IS:13428 and Packaged NORMAL WATER governed under IS:14543.
Can one apply for the ISI mark and commence production?
No. Unless the state inspection of the plant, assessments in an independent lab are completed and official approval with license number is obtained, the unit cannot commence commercial production.
Is having an in-house laboratory compulsory?
Yes, such a lab should be equipped to carry out all physical, chemical substance and micro biological tests prescribed as per IS:3025, and needs to be conducted by expert chemists /micro biologists.
Any kind of standards that specify the quantity of water which can be packaged?
Yes. As per a notification issued by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs on Feb28, 2001, amending Specifications of Weights and Procedures [Packaged Commodities] Rules 1977, it is mandatory for bottled water to be sold only in recommended standards now. They are 100 ml / 150 ml / 200 ml / 250 ml / 300 ml / 330ml [ only in cans ], 500ml / 750 ml / 1 liter / 1.5 liter / 2, 3, 4, 5 liters and in multiples of 5 liters thereafter.
Is it permissible to run a soda unit and bottled water unit from the same premises?
No. Since the ingredients to be utilized in soft drink [sugar and flavor] will probably contaminate the environment and equipment, it is neither permissible nor recommended to operate the same units out of one place
Is it safe to consume water packaged in plastic containers?
The plastic-type material used to contain naturally sourced bottled waters found on supermarket shelves is constructed of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) and is completely safe.
Can I reuse the plastic containers for storing water?
Single-use plastic water bottles are not designed for re-use. In the interest of consumer and hygiene basic safety, it is not advisable to re-use single-make use of bottles for storing water. However, they can be reused for other purposes like planters, drip irrigation etc.
Why does bottled water vary in taste?
Sourced bottled waters have different concentrations of minerals in them naturally, depending on the geology of the land that they come from, which gives each water in bottles a unique taste.
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