Drinking water is an essential part of our daily needs. To meet this need, some people choose gallon-sized drinking water from refill stations because it is relatively more affordable.
On the other hand, there is mineral water in gallon containers, such as AQUA Galon, whose quality and safety are ensured because its production undergoes treatment and monitoring processes that meet BPOM and SNI standards.
However, some people still question whether refillable gallon water is safe for daily consumption.
This question generally refers to drinking water from refill stations, considering that its quality may be affected by various factors, such as the water source, the treatment process, and the hygiene of the equipment. This may be different from drinking water sold by official distributors.
To understand this topic better, explore the article below!
Is Refillable Gallon Water Safe to Consume?
Before learning about the safety of refillable gallon water, it is important to understand that refillable gallon water in this context refers to the type of drinking water filled at refill stations, where consumers bring empty gallons to be refilled.
The quality of gallon water from refill stations depends heavily on the water source, the treatment process, and the hygiene standards implemented by each refill station.
In general, gallon water at refill stations can only be consumed if the water undergoes a treatment process that meets applicable standards and is properly managed.
Before being distributed to consumers, this water usually undergoes several stages of treatment to ensure cleanliness and safety.
However, it is important to note that water used by refill stations can come from various sources and does not necessarily come from selected mountain springs, so the quality may differ from that of packaged mineral water.
On the other hand, there is packaged water sold in gallon containers that can be reused, such as AQUA Galon, also known as reusable gallon water.
Unlike refillable gallon water from refill stations, AQUA Galon is produced by the official manufacturer under strict quality control standards and uses a protected mountain water source, helping ensure its safety and hygiene.
Not only the water, but the safety of AQUA Galon containers is also carefully maintained, as these reusable containers are designed for repeated use and meet applicable safety requirements in accordance with BPOM and SNI standards.
Read also: Here Are 7 Types of Drinking Water, Healthy and Safe!
Things to Watch Out For Gallon Water from Refill Stations
Gallon water from refill stations is often the perfect option for meeting daily drinking water needs at a more affordable price. However, the quality depends heavily on the cleanliness of refill stations, the treatment process, and the water source used.
If those aspects are not managed according to applicable standards, the water quality may decline and potentially affect health. The following are some things to watch out for:
1. The Risk of Microbial Contamination
At refill stations, the process of washing gallon containers and the cleanliness of equipment are essential factors in ensuring water quality.
If the sanitation process is not carried out properly, bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms can contaminate the water. One bacterium that often cause concern is Escherichia coli (E.Coli), which can cause digestive disorders, such as diarrhea and stomachaches.
2. Poor Conditions of Gallon Water
Some refill stations typically use the customer’s reusable gallon. If the gallon has cracked, is discolored, or is not thoroughly cleaned before being refilled, water quality may also be affected.
Therefore, make sure your gallon is still in good and clean condition.
3. Inadequate Maintenance of Filtration System
Refill stations typically use filtration technologies, such as reverse osmosis (RO), ultraviolet (VO), and activated carbon filters.
To make sure these systems function effectively, all equipment requires regular maintenance and component replacement. If not maintained properly, the filtration process becomes less optimal, allowing contaminants to remain in the water and reducing water quality.
4. Unreliable Water Source Quality
The quality of refillable gallon water is also affected by the source of the raw water. If refill stations use water sources with improper maintenance or whose treatment process is inadequate, the risk of bacteria, microorganisms, and other pollutants being present in the water will be higher.
Therefore, it is recommended to choose drinking water that comes from a clearly identified source and has undergone a treatment process in accordance with applicable standards.
Read also: Best Times to Drink Water For A Healthier Life
Characteristics of Gallon Water That is Safe to Drink
After learning whether refillable gallon water is safe to consume, you should also know that one of the recommended packaged drinking waters in gallon size is AQUA Galon.
To better understand what defines safe drinking water, here are the characteristics you should know:
1. Clear and Free from Particles/Sediments
High-quality drinking water is clear, colorless, and free from visible sediments or particles. This condition indicates that the water has undergone proper filtration and treatment, ensuring its quality is maintained.
In contrast, if the water appears cloudy or contains small particles, it may indicate that the filtration process did not function optimally.
2. Odorless and Has a Fresh Taste
Drinking water that is safe to drink does not have a strong odor or unusual smell. Additionally, the taste tends to be neutral, fresh, and natural without leaving a bitter, sour, salty, or metallic aftertaste when consumed.
3. Has a Balanced pH
One indicator of drinking water quality is the acidity level or pH. Good drinking water generally has a pH between 6.5 and 8.5.
This range indicates that water is neutral or slightly alkaline, which can make it suitable for meeting daily hydration needs.
4. Free of Harmful Contaminants
High-quality packaged drinking water has undergone a treatment process and quality tests to ensure it is free of physical pollutants, pathogenic bacteria, heavy metals, or other contaminants that could be harmful to health.
5. Processed and Packaged Hygienically
In addition to water quality, the production process is also one of the essential factors. Safe drinking water is always processed following strict hygiene standards, and packaged in hygienic containers to help maintain water quality until reaching the consumer’s hands.
6. Undergoes Clear and Strict Quality Control
Trusted drinking water producers always conduct thorough quality control, from the water source and production process to the final product.
Through regular monitoring and quality tests, the water quality can be maintained according to the applicable food safety standards.
7. Comes from Protected Water Source
One of the main characteristics of high-quality drinking water is that it comes from clear and protected water sources.
For example, AQUA comes from selected mountain springs that undergo a rigorous process involving 9 selection criteria, 5 stages, and at least 1 year of research involving more than 600 parameters to ensure the quality.
Additionally, the hygiene of AQUA gallons is also maintained because each container undergoes a sanitation process up to 20 times using high-pressure water before being refilled.
As an additional precaution, the consumers also should check the condition of the gallon package before using it. Make sure the cap is sealed properly and show no signs of damage or have opened before.
For AQUA Galon consumers, do not directly throw away the cap immediately after using the product. You can find unique codes to earn points and redeem for prizes.
That is the explanation if refillable gallon water is safe to drink, several things to watch out for, and characteristics of safe drinking water in gallon size.
When choosing drinking water for your family, it is important to consider the source of water, production process, and condition of the packaging. This is because the quality of drinking water can vary depending on the source and production process.
Therefore, choosing the product that comes from a clear source with maintained quality is one of the essential steps to ensure the safety of your daily drinking water.
Since not all water has the same quality, AQUA Galon can be a perfect option to meet your daily hydration needs with the sensation of AQUA Adem even without being chilled.
AQUA is sourced from selected mountain springs that are protected through 9 selection criteria, 5 stages, and at least 1 year of research involving more than 600 parameters.
Additionally, the cleanliness of AQUA’s gallon containers is always maintained, as they undergo a sanitation process up to 20 times using high-pressure water before being refilled.
Since AQUA is sourced from protected mountain springs and produced through a strict process, you can enjoy the freshness of AQUA Adem anytime. So, now you know why AQUA DULU? because not all water is AQUA.
In addition to getting high-quality water, you can also have the chance to enjoy a variety of benefits through the AQUA 100% Untung program. Check the cap of your AQUA gallon, and collect unique codes found on the back.
These codes can be redeemed for points through SehatAQUA WhatsApp for a chance to win special prizes in accordance with the terms and conditions.
By choosing drinking water that comes from a high-quality source and is processed according to standards, your family’s hydration needs can be met safely and comfortably.
Enjoy the freshness of AQUA Sejuk Alami that is 100% Pure with your family and take part in Keluarga SehatAQUA today.
Read also: 10 Types of Clean Water According to the WHO
