Comparisons between different sources of water:

Bottled water is regulated by one of two legal regulations:

1. The Natural Mineral Water Regulations, 1985, which implement EC Directives 80/777 (for Natural Waters).
   
   
2. The Drinking Water in Containers Regulations, 1994, which implement EC Directive 80/778 (for tap water) in a form specific to bottled water.

Natural Mineral Water
Water which is regulated by the Natural Mineral Water Regulations, and comes from a recognised underground source.

Natural Mineral Water is regulated through a process of source recognition and catchment protection - only certain sources are suitable, subject to expert evaluation. Natural Mineral Water is thus, bottled from officially recognised sources of underground water which have to be naturally free from pollution and harmful micro-organisms, stable in mineral analysis and temperature and rate of flow. The water may not be treated in a way intended to alter its natural microbiological state of its essential chemical composition.

Spring Water
Water which is regulated by the Drinking Water in Containers Regulations and comes from a single underground source.

Table Water
Water which is regulated by the Drinking Water in Containers Regulations and either comes from more than one source or not from an underground source (which could be public supply). This may also include Filtered Tap Water. However, Filtered Water has its disadvantages as the filters require regular change and the water quality deteriorates with use as pipe lines are never cleaned. There are also major installation costs and plumbing and access can be difficult.

Natural Mineral Waters have to satisfy the requirements of the Natural Mineral Water Regulations. Amongst other matters these require that the water is bottled at source. Special labelling regulations also apply to ensure that the consumer can clearly identify the source. Other waters regulated as Drinking Water do not need to go through a source recognition procedure but instead have to meet a comprehensive list of chemical and microbiological standards contained in the Drinking Water in Containers Regulations.

• Rocwell is a very pure water source with low levels of dissolved solids. The Nitrate level is one of the lowest ever recorded in Ireland.
  
  
• The stability and reliability of the Rocwell source is a major factor as the aquifer is extensive, the protective drift cover is both thick and extensive, the water is derived deep within the aquifer and the composition of the drift covers gives very low hydraulic conductivity.
  
  
• There is no potential threat to the source from activities such as mining, quarrying, farming or waste disposal.
  
  
• The natural benefits of the Rocwell site guarantee the source will remain stable in the future.