With an ever-increasing need for cheaper or alternative drinking water sources as South African consumers lose confidence in municipal water supply, responsible bottled water from a verified source that is sealed and traceable is becoming more important.
Across South Africa, municipal infrastructure is failing as it ages and municipal water supply is becoming increasingly unreliable.
This has led to declining confidence among households and businesses, which is partly driving the demand for, and proliferation of, water refilling stations, perceived to be an affordable alternative.
“A growing number of water products have entered the market; however, not all of them are safe, regulated or honest about what they are. When the taps are dry, the need for a drinking water alternative forces the public to put their trust into products that might not be trustworthy,” warns South African National Bottled Water Association (SANBWA) CEO Charlotte Metcalf.
She highlights two – very contrasting – categories of water in South Africa: bottled water and drinking water.
