I read with interest the lead editorial in the August 28th edition of the Orangeville Citizen entitled, "Water, gravel extractions: municipalities deserve a cut."

Unfortunately, the editorial repeats incorrect U.S. information as well as urban myths that are simply wrong from a recent Toronto Star o-ed column written by Papineau federal Liberal candidate Justin Trudeau.

For example, PET plastic used in the manufacture of bottled water does not leach toxins — or anything else, for that matter. Don't take my word for it. Visit the Health Canada website and search under bottled water for an FAQ on this subject.

Further, the bottled water industry has the lightest environmental footprint of any consumer packaged good, whether measured by water volume, oil/plastics usage or overall carbon footprint. The industry current participates in funding 50 percent of Ontario's blue box program — and approximately 55 to 80 percent of plastic beverage containers are collected through this program, depending on the efficiency of the municipality collection system. The bottled water industry currently pays the province of Ontario $3.71 per million litres of water extracted. We also pay a permit fee.

Finally, bottled water is held to the same scrutiny as tap water. By law, Health Canada regulations for bottled water must be as strong and protective of public health as Ontario Ministry of Environment regulations for tap water. It is regulated as a packaged food product by Health Canada through the Food and Drug Act. Nestlé Waters Canada customers have never suffered an illness due to the consumption of its products and its competitors' customers have never reported illnesses due to their bottled water consumption.
John B. Challinor II APR
Director of Corporate
Affairs
Nestlé Waters Canada