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General Info
In Wisconsin, bottled drinking water means all water sealed in bottles or similar containers, and sold or distributed for drinking (i.e., for consumption by people). This includes:
- mineral water
- spring water
- distilled water
- artesian water
- carbonated water
Wholesale food manufacturers must comply with specific regulations and testing requirements in order to produce bottled drinking water. See in particular Wisconsin statute § 97.34 and ATCP 70, Subchapter V, of the Wisconsin Administrative Code. Both are linked under Resources.
The University of Wisconsin Division of Extension – particularly its Natural Resources Institute and the Institute's Water Resource Management focus area (under Resources) – may also have useful information.
Federal regulations and testing requirements also come into play. The federal approach to bottled drinking water can differ, at least in small respects, from the state approach. Specifically, the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is guided by provisions in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Relevant electronic CFR (eCFR) language is available online under Resources. Note: the FDA has historically regulated soda water (or club soda), tonic water, and seltzer water as soft drinks and not as bottled water.
Bottled Drinking Water Reports
A bottled drinking water report summarizing the results of bottled drinking water sampling and analysis is compiled and published annually in accordance with state law [Wis. Stat. § 97.34(2)(e)]. Reports from the last several years are available below: