Bottled water

The requirements for the quality and safety of bottled water and the method of its treatment are laid down in Decree No. 275/2004 Coll. This Decree lays down microbiological, chemical and physical requirements for bottled water in accordance with European Community law.

Basic division

 * Bottled natural mineral water.
 * Bottled natural spring water.
 * Bottled baby water.
 * Bottled drinking water.
 * (Natural healing waters)'.

Natural mineral water
We may encounter artificially carbonated waters using CO2 or, alternatively, waters that naturally contain CO2. They are divided according to the amount of mineral content as follows: Natural mineral water does not have any healing effect, it is rather a psychological effect under the influence of media and advertising campaigns. It can be recommended to consume it occasionally, rotating between producers (changing the composition). The optimum is about 1 litre per day for an adult.
 * Waters with very low mineral content (up to 50 mg/l).
 * Waters with low mineral content (up to 500 mg/l).
 * Waters rich in mineral salts (more than 1500 mg/l).

Natural spring water
It is on the market in both carbonated and non-carbonated form. We should prefer the non-carbonated version. This water is allowed to be treated by physical and chemical processes. The Subscribe to DeepL Pro to edit this document. Visit www.DeepL.com/profor more information. total mineralisation should not exceed 500 mg of minerals per litre. If it can be used to prepare infant formula, the still water must be labelled as such.

Baby water
This is bottled water which must not be treated in any way or by any means (except UV radiation). It comes from a protected underground source. The water shall be only slightly mineralised (up to 500 mg/l), as low as possible in CO2 and the pH shall not be less than 5.

Bottled drinking water
It is the only packaged beverage that may undergo chlorination. Again, this can be a carbonated or non-carbonated variant. The composition is very similar to tap water. In many cases, the water treated and supplied to the distribution network is of higher quality. Only the indication Bottled drinking water is mandatory on the label. It can be obtained from any water supply source. It has its place in various emergency situations and in areas affected by flooding.

Natural healing waters
Natural healing waters do not belong in bottled water. They have demonstrable healing effects. The dissolved solids content is greater than 3,5 g/l. Very often they contain some minerals in excess. Consumption of more than 1 week requires consultation with a physician or trained nutritionist. The chemical composition changes during storage. There are no quality requirements for natural medicinal waters, only microbiological indicators are regulated.

Artificially carbonated beverages

 * CO2 content in the range of 4000-6000 mg/l.
 * Mostly acidic pH (3.5-6).
 * Increase blood flow to the mucous membranes in the oral cavity.
 * They cause hyperemia of the gastric mucosa, increase secretion of gastric juices, and accelerate intestinal peristalsis.
 * Increase appetite.
 * Increase diuresis.

Recommendations
It is recommended to consume beverages that are stored appropriately, of the right composition and in an unsweetened version. We alternate mineral waters. Opened drinks should be consumed within 24 hours. Unflavoured drinks are preferred.

Related articles

 * Drinking water quality requirements