South Africa’s growing water crisis has forced many consumers to find alternative drinking water sources. Although bottled water is always available in times of crises, it is normally sold as a healthy beverage alternative.
Since bottled water needs to adhere to a vast amount of food legislation, it comes at a cost that may seem expensive for drinking water but it actually compares very well to other bottled beverages that it is sold alongside.
This perception has created a gap for refill stations to emerge as a popular and cheaper option. While both appear to address the need for clean drinking water, the safety and quality differences between them are significant – and they’re often misunderstood.
Here’s what you need to know about the risks and benefits of bottled and refilled water to make informed decisions for your health.
What’s in a bottle? The safety of packaged water
When you buy bottled water with the South African National Bottled Water Association (SANBWA) logo, you’re choosing a highly regulated product classified as food. Bottled water that meets SANBWA standards offers:
- Rigorous testing at every stage of production: product is only released for distribution and sale once all test results have been verified
- Source protection: The water comes from protected, sustainable and certified safe water sources.
- Hygienic processing: Facilities meet strict food safety regulations, ensuring water is treated and bottled in clean environments.
- Sealed and secure: Bottles are hermetically sealed, preventing contamination and maintaining a verified shelf life.
This comprehensive approach ensures bottled water is free from harmful chemicals and pathogenic bacteria, offering peace of mind for consumers.
Understanding the difference
| Feature | Bottled Water | Refilled Water |
| Classification | Food product, regulated by law | Drinking water, unregulated |
| Source | Protected and tested | Usually municipal tap water |
| Handling | Hygienic, risk-based processes | Often informal, with minimal oversight |
| Contamination risk | Minimal due to sealed, controlled systems | High due to inadequate handling and unprotected filling environment |
| Shelf life | Verified and safe for storage | Not suitable for extended storage |
The risks of refilled water
Refilled water, categorised as drinking water (same as the tap), often dispensed at kiosks or supermarkets, is a different story. These stations and water shops typically source water from municipal taps, which may meet basic drinking water standards initially but lack additional processing or safeguards. This creates several risks:
- No regulation: Refilled water is not classified as food and does not adhere to food safety laws. There are no requirements for batch testing, hygienic handling, processing or traceability.
- Contamination: Poorly maintained equipment, un-sanitised bottles and human handling can introduce harmful bacteria like E.coli or fungi.
- No shelf life: Unlike bottled water, refilled water has no verified shelf life and can quickly become unsafe, especially when stored for extended periods.
Health hazards of refilled water
The most alarming issue with refilled water is contamination. Harmful microorganisms like Pseudomonas thrive in unclean pipes, tanks and taps, which are rarely sterilised daily. Some refill stations even illegally pre-fill and seal bottles, giving the illusion of bottled water but without the safeguards. Once chlorine is removed from municipal water – a common practice in refilling stations – the water loses its microbiological protection, making it even more susceptible to contamination.
It must be made clear that re-fill stations are not allowed to pre-fill and label water as packaged water.
Tips for safer water choices
If you’re considering refilled water, follow these tips to reduce health risks:
- Demand on-the-spot Filling: Ensure your bottle is filled in front of you to avoid pre-filled, potentially contaminated water.
- Enquire regarding the processed that is used. Can water purification be verified?
- Inspect hygiene: Check the cleanliness of taps, pipes, and the surrounding area. Avoid stations that appear dirty or poorly maintained. Filling should be away from the floor. Operators must wear protective clothing.
- Use clean containers: Bring a sterilised container and rinse it with product water before filling. Containers must be rigorously washed with soap, hot water and a bottle brush, then sterilised with a food-grade solution and stored dry.
- Consume immediately: Refilled water should not be stored for long periods, as it lacks a verified shelf life.
The bottom line
While refill stations may seem like an affordable alternative, they lack the stringent safety standards of bottled water. For guaranteed safety and quality, choose bottled water with the SANBWA logo. It’s a small price to pay for your health and peace of mind in a country facing growing water challenges.
