Mineral Water Regulation in India

Mineral water is water that naturally contains dissolved minerals and trace elements, which give it a distinct composition and taste.

• It originates from protected underground sources such as natural springs and aquifers, ensuring its purity and natural characteristics.

• The mineral content of such water is acquired through long-term geological processes that occur over years, decades, or even centuries.

• Mineral water retains its original chemical and bacteriological composition, which distinguishes it from treated or purified water.

• Common minerals present in mineral water include calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium, while other components such as bicarbonates, sulphates, chlorides, and silica are also found. Trace elements like fluorides and iron may also be present in small quantities.

Regulation in India

• In India, mineral water is regulated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and the Bureau of Indian Standards to ensure quality and safety.

• According to regulations, natural mineral water must come from underground sources that are protected from pollution through natural geological formations.

• The water must be collected under conditions that preserve its original bacteriological and chemical composition.

• As per BIS standard IS 13428, the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and the relative proportions of minerals must remain stable over time and across production batches.

• Producers are not allowed to alter the mineral composition of the water through artificial means. Only limited treatments such as filtration, decantation, aeration, and sterilisation are permitted.

• Chemical disinfection methods, such as the addition of chlorine, are strictly prohibited to maintain the natural quality of the water.

Source: The Hindu