The water bottling business is the fastest growing area of the beverage market. The potential market for bottled water encompasses the entire world, as everyone needs a continual supply of fresh drinking water daily. Unfortunately, as the demand for water increases, the quality of drinking water seems to have decreased. Although the business of bottling water can be profitable in many ways, entrepreneurs should stay focused and ensure that water equipment and supplies always meet FDA standards.

The water purification process begins with a water pre-treatment and purification system including sterilization, water ozonation, deionization, reverse osmosis, water distillers and commercial water softeners. Some of these processes, such as reverse osmosis, come with their own set of criteria. Whatever the procedure, bottled water's consistent safety and quality is due, in part, to three main factors:

1. Water bottle manufacturing meeting FDA requirements

2. Water bottle systems upholding individual state regulations

3. Water supplies passing industry standards

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Get water bottling business knowledge and FDA regulations from a variety of sources

When embarking upon the water bottling business, adhering to government regulations is key. Companies produce bottled water for public consumption, therefore they should keep a sanitary environment that meets FDA regulations. Making the most of water equipment and supplies includes having a working knowledge of FDA, state and industry standards.

I recommend: Create an account with Water Bottlers to get up-to-date information on the water bottling industry. Sign up with Water.com to receive newsletter and water quality reports. Get a free water treatment evaluation from Better Water to better understand the difference between clean water and contaminated water.

Clean and sanitize your water treatment equipment to keep it functioning at its best

An efficient water treatment system should overcome the challenges of poor water quality without breaking the company budget. Water supplies should also be affordable and meet industry standards. To produce a continual supply of clean water that meets FDA standards, periodically clean and sanitize your water equipment and continuously check the expiration date on all water treatment products.

I recommend: Hire a professional to do the job effectively. Cannon Water Technology offers industrial and processed water treatment equipment, services, chemicals and training. Contact Geyser Equipment for custom solutions to the water cleaning industry.

Get a certified water bottling system

Getting a certified system ensures that the system, itself, does not contaminate water supplies. You can purchase or lease bottled water equipment from a number of manufacturers.

I recommend: When choosing a specific make and model of a product or system, it is important to know that it meets the requirements of national residential water filter standards. This way, you can make sure that you have a system made from materials that are safe for water contact, that is sound structurally, and that will perform as claimed by the manufacturer. You can find a complete range of certified bottle filling equipment and water bottling systems at Inline Filling Systems. Request product literature from Generic Manufacturing Corporation. NSF International certifies water supply products and offers product testing as well as water treatment solutions.

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• •  Just as there are varieties of filtration systems, so there are several types of water problems that can exist in water supplies. Knowing what you are treating before you begin to look at water treatment equipment is a wise move. An expert water technician can help you identify your particular water problem.
• •  Depending on water suppliers could sometimes mean depending on a lower quality of water. Doing your own water bottling saves money and improves quality control.

The market for bottled water equipment has been steadily growing on the heels of diminished consumer confidence in the quality of municipal water systems. As consumers become more concerned about their health, bottled water is becoming a clear substitute for soft drinks. Entrepreneurs see the growing opportunity in the water bottling system and are moving to make a name for themselves in this industry.

In the water bottling business, the Food and Drug Administration sets the standards for the bottled water supplies. These standards are less demanding than the regulations regarding tap water; however, business owners must meet the FDA standard of identity for bottled water supplies. These standards identify water as a certain type and are designed to prevent products from being misbranded. The most common types of bottled water sold are:

1. Spring water - comes from an underground source and flows naturally to the surface to be collected with drinking water equipment

2. Mineral water - originates underground and contains dissolved solids

3. Purified water - has been produced by a reverse osmosis water bottling system or distillation

4. Sparkling water - water supplies have been carbonated

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Branch out with vending machine water equipment

One water bottling business option is water vending machines. This option represents a lower start-up cost in a turnkey solution. Consumers use their own containers and pay to fill them at your kiosk - thereby eliminating the cost of water supplies.

I recommend: The Iceberg, Inc., offers the Water Bottle kiosk. This clever design services up to a 5-gallon container. The Water Clinic vending machines provide high performance in a low-maintenance, cost-effective package. They also have the ability to custom design your logo on the machine face.

Compare bottled water equipment

If you plan to bottle your own product, you need to shop around for bottled water equipment. Some specific equipment is needed to ensure a clean and efficient operation. Bottle cleaners make sure your containers are clean before filling. An overflow or gravity filler to fill your bottles and should be selected based on your production goals and floor space. A capping machine will seal your bottles, and the labeler adds that final touch.

I recommend: American AquaSource, Inc., can supply a complete production line with new or used water bottling equipment. They also provide pallet and shrink wrap equipment for distribution. Liquid Packaging Solutions, Inc., another water equipment company, can provide complete turnkey setup for small operations, including custom machinery to fit your special needs.

Consult the water bottling system experts

For business owners that want to bottle their own product and don't want to go it alone, there are water equipment and supplies consultants. These firms can design and build a system for you, install the equipment, provide maintenance and trouble-shooting services and provide customer support.

I recommend: Norland International Inc., specializes in water bottling systems for small- to medium-sized businesses. Their services range from design and planning to after-sale customer service. Steelhead, Inc., has maintained a top spot in the industry for 30 years. Their innovation - including a one-operator bottling system - and stellar customer support make them a great choice for a new operator.

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• •  The International Bottled Water Association is a great educational and marketing resource to keep you competitive and up-to-date on issues critical for the bottled water equipment industry.

Water equipment and water supplies are a necessity in the workplace. As simple and as plain as water looks, it is the most vital element for human life on earth. With a great deal of the U.S. population spending most of their day in the office or work field, a consumable supply of fresh water is essential. Public water-supply systems are responsible for supplying this water. These facilities may be government or privately run, but their main purpose is to get water from wells, reservoirs, rivers or lakes to homes and businesses. It then becomes the responsibility of the individual institutions to ensure the water supply is suitable for human consumption. Therefore, it is pertinent that proper drinking water equipment or water treatment equipment be in place, no matter how costly.

Pricing and costs of water equipment and supplies can vary, depending on the usage. While all businesses need to have an efficient water system in place, some institutions simply cannot exist without this set-up. These institutions include:

1. Industry users with boilers or cooling towers

2. Commercial users that utilize an abundance of water for cleaning purposes

3. Hospitals, schools, nursing homes and other institutions that need a safe water supply

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Locate suppliers of residential water equipment

Water used for normal household purposes is 'residential water.' This category includes water used for drinking, food preparation, bathing, washing clothes and dishes, flushing toilets, and watering lawns. Small businesses would profit from utilizing water equipment manufactured for residential usage.

I recommend: Create an account with Ampac USA to view their water treatment equipment. At Ampac USA, a residential osmosis system can cost anywhere from $160 to $800. Knapp Supply specializes in residential water systems. Remco Engineering offers a whole house water treatment system for about $7,000.

Locate suppliers of commercial water equipment and supplies

Commercial use of water includes water needed by businesses and private and public institutions. Restaurants, hotels, nursing homes and other institutions are commercial water users and require a proper water filtration system as well as necessary water supplies. A reputable water equipment company can deliver a good filtration system and supplies in a package deal.

I recommend: Need Plumbing Supplies has an entire product line of water filtration and water treatment items. A heavy duty commercial water filter will cost you a little over $800. Other filters are available from between $80 to $300. You can purchase a variety of water supplies for less than $200. Sign up with Mission Restaurant Supply to receive free catalogs and online coupons. This company carries single-cartridge water filters for about $50. A dual water system can cost between $150 and $350 depending on its use.

Locate used water equipment to save money

Bottled water equipment is costly. A water bottling system can run about $30,000. Consider purchasing used equipment to stay within the company's budget - a used filtration system can cost about $4,000.

I recommend: You can get used filtration equipment from Surplus Management, Inc., including used water pumps and filter presses. This company also has surplus water purification equipment. Many times, you can purchase surplus items at discount rates. Check Crystal Clear for used water coolers. They usually range from about $30 to $125.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Finding the right water equipment or water treatment equipment may take some time. Locate a consultant in the water treatment industry to help you choose the right equipment for your company.

Water seems simple, but there are all kinds of water equipment and supplies and many different types of water on the market, so choosing water equipment and supplies -- whether for your family or your business -- is more of an undertaking than one would think. Some people choose tap water that's been treated, some choose a water service that brings bottles of water on a regular basis, others opt for bottled water from the grocery store. Whatever your preferences, you'll be much better equipped to choose if you learn some water equipment and supplies key terms.

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Activated carbon

Activated carbon, or activated coal or charcoal, is carbon that has been specially treated so that it has a huge surface area. Since it has a disproportionately large surface area, it's very good at absorbing impurities in water and other liquids and is commonly used in water filtration products.

I recommend: The civil engineering department at Virginia Tech has an excellent activated carbon information page.

Reverse osmosis

Reverse osmosis is a common filtration method in which water passes through a semi-permeable membrane. It's commonly used in in-line water filtration systems.

I recommend: Learn more about reverse osmosis at HowStuffWorks.

Water softener and hard water

Water softeners are popular in areas where there are high levels of dissolved minerals in the water supply. Water softeners lower the mineral level in this so-called 'hard water' to more desirable levels.

I recommend: Lenntech Water Treatment provides good information on hard water and water softening.

Dispenser bottle

When people get a water delivery service, water is brought on regular basis. This water is typically delivered in large dispenser bottles that sit atop the water dispenser.

I recommend: See a typical water dispenser bottle on top of bottled water dispenser at General Electric.

Under-counter or under-sink filtration

As the name implies, under-counter or under-sink filtration systems typically are installed underneath sinks and filter the water supply before it comes out of the tap.

I recommend: The Better Water Store illustrates several models of under-sink filtration systems.

Spring water

Spring water is a popular type of bottled water that emanates from an artesian spring. Many people prefer the idea and/or the taste of water that comes from a natural spring. The mineral content of the spring water differs spring by spring.

I recommend: Nestlé Waters North America describes the different types of water available, including spring water.