Bottled Water Update
Newly released statistics by Beverage Marketing Corporation show U.S. bottled water sales and consumption continues to rise, as consumers increasingly choose bottled water over other commercial beverages. This upward trend was reflected in 2004 bottled water volume of nearly 6.8 billion gal., an 8.6% increase over 2003, and a 2004 bottled water per capita consumption level of 23.8 gal., compared to 22.1 gal. per capita the previous year. These statistics demonstrate continued consumer demand and appreciation for the convenience and good taste of bottled water brands consumed on-the-go, the International Bottled Water Association reported.
New Certification Guide for Drinking Water Treatment Systems and Components Available
NSF International announced the availability of a new Certification Guide for Drinking Water Treatment Systems and Components. The guide provides a complete overview of the NSF certification process, from detailed steps required to achieve specific certifications to the many options available in approaching certification.
“The purpose of the guide is to simplify the process for treatment system and component manufacturers, as well as to advise them on ways to save time and money while also getting the most from their investment,” said Tom Bruursema, general manager of NSF’s Drinking Water Treatment Unit program. “We wanted to offer companies a quick reference guide to help understand key steps in the program along with best practices, which we’ve designed based on 33 years of experience in testing drinking water treatment units.”
WQRF Receives Generous Donation from the Wayne and Mary Packard Foundation
The Water Quality Research Foundation (WQRF) recently received a donation in the amount of $50,000 from the Wayne and Mary Packard Foundation, Minnetonka, Minn. Mr. F. Wayne Packard, CWS-III, was a longtime member and ardent supporter of the WQA, and was awarded the WQA Hall of Fame Award in 1980. His son John Packard, CWS-V, followed his father into the water treatment industry. John and sisters Martha Packard Ross and Betsy Packard, as trustees of the Foundation, made the award to the WQRF prior to the WQA Aquatech USA 2005 International Exhibition and Educational Conference in Las Vegas. John Packard is past president of the WQA and has been awarded both the WQA Key and Hall of Fame Awards, and has served on numerous committees and task forces. He is currently vicepresident of the WQRF and president of Culligan Water Conditioning in Minnetonka. wqp
