Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQ)

You Asked. We Answered.

About Us & The Industry

Who is Premium Waters, Inc.?

With a long history in the H2O industry, Premium Waters continuously strives to be a high-quality, environmentally responsible, and low-cost bottled water producer, distributor, and supplier with a company culture of trust, honesty, and integrity among all employees and partners. Our organization was incorporated in 1994 by the Chesterman Company, a pioneer in the U.S. bottling business. We’re proud to be a member of the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA), which helps us meet our promises of reliability, satisfaction, and quality. Our corporate offices are in Minneapolis, MN and Kansas City, MO. Through our growing network of bottling plants and distribution centers, we’re proud to serve customers throughout the United States.

How do I become a bottled water distributor?

If you currently distribute other beverage products and would like to learn more about becoming a Premium Waters distributor, call 800-332-3332 to find the sales representative for your area and inquire about the possibility of working with us.

Who regulates the bottled water industry?

Bottled water is regulated at the industry, state, and federal levels. Industry associations such as the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) require members to undergo an annual, unannounced inspection by an independent party. The IBWA has also set up a Model Code to ensure quality in products produced by members. States provide additional inspections and certification. The Food and Drug Administration regulates the industry at the federal level. All bottlers must adhere to their regulations regarding quality, labeling, and manufacturing.

Why Bottled Water?

What are the benefits of bottled water?

The key benefit of bottled water is hydration. Having easy access to quality water and getting in the habit of consuming water regularly promotes proper hydration and overall good health. When bottled water is easily accessible, it encourages children and adults to get in the habit of drinking crisp, clean water rather than more expensive and less healthy beverages, such as soda and fruit drinks.

Why should I pay for water delivery?

Water delivery is often less expensive than store-bought water. Moreover, bottled waters vary in quality and taste.

Where can I buy this water in my area?

Premium Waters has distributors throughout the United States.  Watch our video or give us a call at 1-800-332-3332, and one of our customer service representatives will be able to give you the name of a distributor in your area.

Our Commitment to Local Communities and Sustainability

Why do you give back to the community?

At Premium Waters, we think that our success isn’t just measured in dollars and cents. We believe that to be truly successful, we need to be an active participant with you, our customer. It’s only right for us to give back to those who mean so much to us. So, when you see Premium Waters on your store shelves, or you see us making a delivery, you can be sure that we’re not just in your community, we’re a part of it.

How do I request a donation?

Premium Waters donates water to hundreds of causes that support community efforts in more than 35 states. If you would like to request a donation, please submit your request.

How does your company practice sustainability?

We advocate for cross-industry packaging solutions through membership in the Sustainable Packaging Coalition® because we believe there isn’t one definitive source contributing to environmental problems and pollution, and that we can better address these complex problems by working together towards a mutual goal. For years, we have been actively developing and integrating sustainable business practices, intending to expand upon these initiatives heading into the future. Some of these initiatives include incorporating recycled plastic in our bottles, minimizing waste to landfills, going paperless for internal operations, and using clean, renewable solar energy, to name a few. Read more about our sustainability initiatives or watch our video.

Our Products and Packaging

My filtration unit is no longer producing water. What should I do?

Underneath the lid, there is a small reset button/slide. Please attempt to reset the unit. If you are unable to resolve the issue, please call your customer service representative to assist.

What is the difference between Chippewa, Kandiyohi, and Nicolet?

Chippewa is natural spring water. Kandiyohi is purified drinking water with natural minerals added for taste and health benefits. Nicolet is artesian water.

What types of plastic are your bottles made from?

PETE Symbol 1 PET (also abbreviated PETE) is short for polyethylene terephthalate, the chemical name for polyester. PET is approved as safe for contact with foods and beverages by the FDA and health-safety agencies throughout the world. The safety of PET for food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and medical applications has been repeatedly demonstrated through extensive studies, regulatory approvals, testing, and its widespread acceptance for more than 30 years. PET does not contain bisphenol-A (BPA) or phthalates (plasticizers). HDPE Symbol 2 Milk containers, detergent bottles, freezer bags, and plastic grocery bags often contain high-density polyethylene, a relatively stiff plastic. Type 2 plastic neither contains bisphenol A nor phthalates. It is not known to contain other harmful chemicals. High-density polyethylene containers may have the symbol “HDPE” on them.

Filtration Processes

Is steam distillation the same as reverse osmosis?

No. Steam distillation superheats the water to eliminate all minerals within a tolerance of 0–1 (or perhaps 0–2 ppm TDS), recollects the steam, and condenses it back into a liquid form. Reverse osmosis sends water through membrane filtration and other treatments to produce purified drinking water. The TDS of reverse osmosis water varies widely from close to 0 to up to 50 or more. Kandiyohi and Nature’s Crystal have a TDS of 22–27 due to the minerals that are added after purification to enhance flavor and health benefits.

What is reverse osmosis?

Reverse osmosis (RO) uses semi-permeable membranes with smaller pore sizes than microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and nanofiltration to remove unwanted substances in the water, like sodium and chloride.

Water Sources and Reports

What is the source of your waters?

Chippewa Spring Water comes from a natural spring in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. A natural spring is an underground water source that flows naturally to the earth’s surface without the need for drilling. The source for the Premium Kandiyohi Purified Water is the Willmar municipal well water after city processing. Water is purified through reverse osmosis to remove all minerals and impurities. Calcium, magnesium, and potassium are added back in to create great-tasting purified drinking water. Nicolet Natural Water comes from an artesian well located in Mountain, Wisconsin. Artesian water comes from a well that taps a confined aquifer (a water-bearing underground layer of rock or sand) in which the water level stands at some height above the top of the aquifer. Therefore, once the well has been drilled, the water flows freely to the surface.

  • Samantha Springs Keller, TX
  • Naturalle Springs Greeneville, TN
  • Emerald Spring Abbeville, GA
  • Hummel Spring Liberty, IL
  • Basswood Springs Platte County, MO
  • Lafayette Spring Lafayette Township, WI
  • Snow Mountain Indian Springs, NV
  • Mountain Brook Spring, Byram, MS
  • Breymeyer Spring Kentland, IN
  • Chester Hill Springs Chester Hill, MA
  • Morgan Spring Bennington, VT
  • Pristine Mountain Spring, Stockbridge, VT
  • South Spring Pittsfield, MA
  • Franklin Springs Allentown, PA
  • Artesian Well-Mountain, WI

How am I able to tell where my water was produced?

The PKD and Best By may be found above

the label area at the shoulder of the bottle. The following example shows:

PKD 092623 2008
Best By 09/26/24 W3

production facility code

The letter noted at the end of the Best By line represents the production facility of the water.

A = Pennsylvania

B = New Berlin, Wisconsin

D = Georgia

FAR = North Dakota

K = Indiana

M = Mississippi

N = Crivitz, Wisconsin

P = Massachusetts

Q = Illinois

R = Missouri

T = Tennessee

V = Nevada

W = Wisconsin

WIL = Minnesota

X = Texas

How can I obtain a mineral analysis or your water quality report?

We have detailed water quality reports available. We take the quality of our water products seriously, and our report is based on independent testing results from a certified lab.

Health and Safety

How can I find the Best Buy date of my water?

The Best Buy date listed on the bottle refers to the shelf life of the bottle itself and not the water contained inside. However, waters with additives or flavor, do expire.

What are the nutritional facts for your various types of water?

PW Nutritional Facts

Does my water contain sodium?

There is no sodium in purified drinking water.

Does plastic leach into the water?

The FDA gives assurance of testing and checks for any migration of potential plastic. The tests conducted establish that there is a minimal amount of transfer between a plastic package and the food it contains. Any transfer does not pose a risk to human health.

How many chemicals are in your spring water?

Our spring water contains no potentially harmful chemicals, such as chlorines or bromines. The chemical composition of water is H2O. When water has total dissolved solids (TDS) greater than 0, it means that there are other elements or minerals in the water. Distilled water has a TDS of 0. The TDS of Kandiyohi Purified Water is 22–27. The TDS of our spring water varies by the spring source. The TDS of Chippewa Spring Water is 87–95. Chippewa is considered one of the purest spring waters available and, according to consumers, has a “crisp” and “clean” taste.

Is there fluoride in my water?

Bottled water products may contain fluoride, depending on the source of the water. Fluoride can be naturally present in the original source of the water, and many public water systems add fluoride to their water. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets limits for fluoride in bottled water, based on several factors, including the source of the water. Bottled water products labeled as de-ionized, purified, demineralized, or distilled have been treated in such a way that they contain no or only trace amounts of fluoride unless they specifically list fluoride as an added ingredient. Added fluoride must be listed on the label.

Are there harmful contaminants in the water?

The IBWA states on its website that “a survey of FDA and state bottled water regulatory authorities (dated June 2009 and conducted by the Government Accountability Office) found there were zero outbreaks of foodborne illness from bottled water in a five-year period. In testimony before a July 9, 2009, Congressional hearing, an FDA official stated that the agency was aware of no major outbreaks of illness or serious safety concerns associated with bottled water in the past decade.” To ensure that you receive high-quality water, we filter the water for all our brands of water and test it frequently.

Are bottled water bottles safe?

The IBWA states on its website that “bottled water containers, as with all food packaging materials, must be made from FDA-approved food contact substances. The plastic and glass containers that are used for bottled water products have undergone FDA scrutiny before being available for use in the marketplace. The FDA has determined that the containers used by the bottled water industry are safe for use with food and beverage products, including bottled water, and that they do not pose a health risk to consumers.”

Are they BPA free?

PETE Symbol 1 or HDPE Symbol 2 does not contain bisphenol-A (BPA) or phthalates (plasticizers).

Can I drink distilled water?

Yes, you can drink distilled water. However, you may not care for the taste. There are no minerals in the water, causing it to have a bland and flat flavor.

Is it safe to freeze bottled water?

Purified water is generally safe to freeze. However, as water freezes, it expands and will distort the shape of the bottle, causing instability. It may also potentially expand through the cap and break the tamper band.

What are the white flakes in bottled water?

Sometimes during colder months when water freezes, rapid changes in temperature can cause the calcium minerals to separate from the water, bond together and precipitate, or turn into a solid form. When the water thaws, the calcium stays in its solid form and may appear as white pieces or flakes floating in the water. If you’ve ever encountered this phenomenon, you’ve experienced science in action. So, if you see white particles floating in your favorite bottle of all-natural spring water, don’t be alarmed. The white flakes are naturally occurring calcium particles.

Water Storage and Quantity Recommendations

Storage recommendations for best taste?

Store bottled water at a constant room temperature or cooler, if possible. The US Pharmacopeia defines room temperature as being between 59-86 degrees Fahrenheit. Store out of sunlight. Keep the water containers away from solvents, chemicals, or odorous conditions.

How much water will my family need?

For a family of four that uses water for drinking only, we recommend starting with four 5-gallon water bottles per month. During your first month, you can determine, more precisely, your family’s level of consumption. If your family uses bottled water for cooking and juice, as well as for drinking, we recommend starting with five or six 5-gallon water bottles per month.

How much water will my company need?

Here are some suggestions for your office water consumption:

10–15 Employees: Start with three 5-gallon water bottles per month and adjust according to actual consumption.

15–30 Employees: Start with five 5-gallon water bottles per month and adjust according to actual consumption.

30+ Employees: Start with one 5-gallon water cooler and five 5-gallon water bottles for up to thirty people; additional employees may require additional coolers and water bottles. Your sales representative can help you determine the appropriate amount.

General Water Questions

Why is it important to drink water?

The human body is nearly 60% water. Daily activity and the dehydrating effects of products such as coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks deplete the water in your body, so it is important to continually replenish your reserves. Your body needs water for proper hydration and a variety of functions such as regulating body temperature, transporting nutrients and oxygen to cells, cushioning joints, and removing waste.

How much water to I need each day?

Health experts and nutritionists recommend eight 8 oz. servings per day for proper hydration. Most people are dehydrated to some degree because they don’t drink the recommended number of servings each day. Dehydration can lead to dry skin, headaches, and other more serious health concerns.

What is PH?

A measure of acidity and alkalinity of a solution. (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pH) The IBWA Code of Practice States, ‘The Code of Practice guideline for pH in purified water is 5.0–7.0… The guideline for source water and other product waters is 6.5–8.5.’ (Page 20) At-home PH test strips typically do not give accurate or reliable results. Premium Waters uses true analytical methods with lab-grade instruments that are calibrated and validated. Our PH balance and much more water information can be found on our water quality reports.

What are the different types of water?

Here are descriptions of the main types of drinking water:

Artesian Water/Artesian Well Water

Natural water from a well that taps a confined aquifer (a water-bearing underground layer of rock or sand) in which the water level stands at some height above the top of the aquifer.

Drinking Water

Drinking water is another name for bottled water. Drinking water is what is sold for consumption in sanitary containers and contains no added sweeteners or chemical additives, other than flavors, extracts, or essences. This type of water must be calorie-free and sugar-free. Flavors, extracts, or essences may be added to drinking water, but they must comprise less than one percent-by-weight of the final product or the product will be considered a soft drink. Drinking water may be either sodium free or contain very low amounts of sodium.

Purified Drinking Water

Water that has been produced by distillation, deionization, reverse osmosis, or other suitable processes, and that meets the definition of purified drinking water in the US Pharmacopoeia, may be labeled as purified bottled water. Other suitable product names for bottled water treated by one of the above processes may include “distilled water” if it is produced by distillation, “deionization water” if the water is produced by deionization, or “reverse osmosis water” if the process used is reverse osmosis.

Spring Water

Natural water derived from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface of the earth. Spring water must be collected only at the spring or through a borehole that taps the underground formation and finds the spring. Spring water collected with the use of an external force must be from the same underground stratum as the spring and must have all the physical properties, before treatment, and be of the same composition and quality as the water that flows naturally to the surface of the earth.

Well Water

Natural water from a hole-bored, drilled, or otherwise constructed well in the ground which taps the water of an aquifer.