Bottled water
Answers to common questions about the bottled water we supply during an incident.
In an emergency Bristol Water may provide bottled water either by delivering it to your home or setting up a local collection point.
If you have a disability or medical condition that makes it difficult to get to a collection point, sign up for our free Priority Services Register for extra support if your water supply is ever affected.
We’ve put together the answers to some common questions about the bottled water supplied by Bristol Water during emergencies, and bottled water that can be purchased from shops.
Answers to your questions about bottled water
Our bottled water to make up baby formula
Yes. Bottled water provided by water companies must comply with the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations. This means it can be used in the same way as tap water for all purposes, including preparing baby formula.
Shop bought water to make up baby formula
No, it is not recommended. Some brands of shop bought bottled water may contain high levels of salt (sodium) or sulphate (SO₄), which are unsuitable for infant formula feeds. Always check the label before use.
Sodium and sulphate in our bottled water
Our bottled water complies with the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations, which limit sodium (Na) to less than 200 milligrams (mg) per litre and sulphate (SO₄) to less than 250 mg per litre.
Sodium and sulphate in bottled water from shops
The levels vary between brands. Check the label on the bottle for specific details about sodium (Na) and sulphate (SO₄) content.
Making bottled water sterile
No. Although tap water is disinfected to ensure it is microbiologically safe, neither tap water or bottled water are sterile. Both bottled water and tap water need to be boiled before preparing baby formula.
Making baby formula with our bottled water
Treat it like tap water:
- Boil the water to at least 70°C.
- Prepare the formula solution.
- Allow it to cool to a suitable temperature before feeding your baby.
Our bottled water during pregnancy
Yes, it is safe to drink during pregnancy.
Our bottled water for pets
Yes, the water is safe for both humans and animals.
Storing bottled water
Store bottled water in a cool, shaded place away from direct sunlight. After opening, keep it refrigerated and use it by the date indicated on the bottle.
Bottled water left in a hot car
Storing bottled water in a warm environment, such as a car, can affect its taste and odour, and may even lead to a green discoloration. If this occurs, we recommend not drinking the water.
Our bottled water to make up baby formula
Yes. Bottled water provided by water companies must comply with the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations. This means it can be used in the same way as tap water for all purposes, including preparing baby formula.
Shop bought water to make up baby formula
No, it is not recommended. Some brands of shop bought bottled water may contain high levels of salt (sodium) or sulphate (SO₄), which are unsuitable for infant formula feeds. Always check the label before use.
Sodium and sulphate in our bottled water
Our bottled water complies with the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations, which limit sodium (Na) to less than 200 milligrams (mg) per litre and sulphate (SO₄) to less than 250 mg per litre.
Sodium and sulphate in bottled water from shops
The levels vary between brands. Check the label on the bottle for specific details about sodium (Na) and sulphate (SO₄) content.
Making bottled water sterile
No. Although tap water is disinfected to ensure it is microbiologically safe, neither tap water or bottled water are sterile. Both bottled water and tap water need to be boiled before preparing baby formula.
Making baby formula with our bottled water
Treat it like tap water:
- Boil the water to at least 70°C.
- Prepare the formula solution.
- Allow it to cool to a suitable temperature before feeding your baby.
Our bottled water during pregnancy
Yes, it is safe to drink during pregnancy.
Our bottled water for pets
Yes, the water is safe for both humans and animals.
Storing bottled water
Store bottled water in a cool, shaded place away from direct sunlight. After opening, keep it refrigerated and use it by the date indicated on the bottle.
Bottled water left in a hot car
Storing bottled water in a warm environment, such as a car, can affect its taste and odour, and may even lead to a green discoloration. If this occurs, we recommend not drinking the water.
Our bottled water to make up baby formula
Yes. Bottled water provided by water companies must comply with the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations. This means it can be used in the same way as tap water for all purposes, including preparing baby formula.
Shop bought water to make up baby formula
No, it is not recommended. Some brands of shop bought bottled water may contain high levels of salt (sodium) or sulphate (SO₄), which are unsuitable for infant formula feeds. Always check the label before use.
Sodium and sulphate in our bottled water
Our bottled water complies with the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations, which limit sodium (Na) to less than 200 milligrams (mg) per litre and sulphate (SO₄) to less than 250 mg per litre.
Sodium and sulphate in bottled water from shops
The levels vary between brands. Check the label on the bottle for specific details about sodium (Na) and sulphate (SO₄) content.
Making bottled water sterile
No. Although tap water is disinfected to ensure it is microbiologically safe, neither tap water or bottled water are sterile. Both bottled water and tap water need to be boiled before preparing baby formula.
Making baby formula with our bottled water
Treat it like tap water:
- Boil the water to at least 70°C.
- Prepare the formula solution.
- Allow it to cool to a suitable temperature before feeding your baby.
Our bottled water during pregnancy
Yes, it is safe to drink during pregnancy.
Our bottled water for pets
Yes, the water is safe for both humans and animals.
Storing bottled water
Store bottled water in a cool, shaded place away from direct sunlight. After opening, keep it refrigerated and use it by the date indicated on the bottle.
Bottled water left in a hot car
Storing bottled water in a warm environment, such as a car, can affect its taste and odour, and may even lead to a green discoloration. If this occurs, we recommend not drinking the water.