Frank Lautenberg: “I am offering an amendment which will strengthen the Federal Government's authority to ensure that the bottled water…”

“I am offering an amendment which will strengthen the Federal Government's authority to ensure that the bottled water Americans drink is healthy and safe. My amendment provides that if the Food and Drug Administration fails to regulate a contaminant in bottled water in a timely manner after EPA regulates a contaminant found in municipal water systems, the EPA standard will apply to bottled water. My amendment also provides that FDA quality standards for bottled water must be at least as stringent as EPA drinking water standards. And in those cases where the FDA believes it is appropriate for public health protection, bottled water quality standards can be even tougher than EPA standards. Mr. President, bottled water is becoming more popular every year. Currently, 44 percent of the public consumes bottled water, and 6 percent use only bottled water for their drinking water. On average, we consumed 9.5 gallons of bottled water last year, 64 ounces more than each individual consumed in 1992. It is a product which is used by millions of Americans. And 35 percent of those that consume it say that they do so out of a concern for health and safety. More than anything else, Americans want water that is of good quality.”