Mineral waters debunked

Press, 26 November 1982, Page 26

Mineral waters debunked

PA Wellington Expensive, bottled mineral water is often no better than ordinary tap water, which tastes just as good, says the latest issue of “Consumer” magazine. Prompted by the results of an American survey, the magazine examined the New Zealand market for mineral water. It found three New Zea-land-bottled products, one of which is also exported to Tahiti and Fiji. It tested each for taste, aroma, stimulation

of the palate, and flavour that refreshed the mouth and left it feeling clean. It also tested three imported French waters. Palmerston North’ tap water fell into the same “good” rating as two of the products, and rated better than one. The magazine also considered some of the reasons for drinking mineral water. Normal water being polluted, tap water containing chemicals, taste, and fashion were all given as reasons why mineral waters are so popular.

The magazine dispels these reasons. It said that public water supplies in New Zealand were highly satisfactory. All water apart from distilled water contained chemicals and tap water tasted just as good as mineral water, which offered no special benefits to the drinker compared with ordinary, wholesome water. The magazine suggested that fashion-conscious people could start taking tap water in fancy bottles to restaurants to avoid the cost of expensive products.