Use of bottled water is a viable option in the areas where high-quality drinking water and water purification facilities are not available [3].According to statistics, the average annual consumption of bottled water has increase by 7%. Although the main consumers of these products are currently European countries, the consumption rate has also risen in Asia and the Pacific more rapidly, with the rate estimated at approximately 15% [4].In developed countries, the most important reason for the tendency toward the use of bottled water is that individuals
Journal of Human, Environment, and Health PromotionJournal homepage: www.zums.ac.ir/jhehpBackground: With the growing use of bottled water, the continuous research and monitoring of the quality of these products are crucial. The present study aimed to assess the chemical quality of the bottled water distributed in Gorgan, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was conducted on the samples of bottled water distributed in Gorgan city. Sampling was performed during four months (one sample of each brand obtained every month; total: 36). The chemical quality of the samples was measured using standard methods. Results: The mean concentrations of nitrate, fluoride, and iron and mean pH of the samples were 12.92 ± 11.05, 0.33 ± 0.12, and 0.64 ± 2.9 mg/l and 6.89 ± 0.39, respectively. Only the physicochemical parameters of pH and iron were significantly higher than the standard values, and the mean levels of the chemical factors were significantly lower than the standard values (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Consumers expect bottled water to have higher quality as they perceive the product to be a healthier choice than the water supplied by urban distribution networks. High levels of some chemical parameters could adversely affect the health of consumers, especially vulnerable populations, which should be taken into consideration by custodians and authorities.