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The FDA has established bottled water Standards of Quality for more than 90 substances [21 C.F.R. § 165.110 (b)]. Most FDA bottled water quality standards are the same as the EPA's maximum contaminant levels (MCL) for tap water systems. The few differences are usually the result of the fact that the substance is not found in bottled water, or the substance is regulated under another provision of law such as the FDA's food additives program. Additionally, Section 410 of FFDCA requires the FDA to review all EPA National Primary Drinking Water Standards (NPDWS) for public water systems to determine their applicability to bottled water. If the FDA determines that the NPDWS is applicable to bottled water, it must establish standards of quality for bottled water that are as stringent and protective of public health as the EPA's standards for public drinking water. If the FDA fails to act within 180 days of the effective date of any new EPA NPDWS for public water systems, the FDA must then apply the new NPDWS to bottled water. This section of the FFDCA is commonly known as the "hammer provision." FDA standards allow "contaminants" in bottled water not allowed in tap water. Read more about college ban facts at bottledwatermatters.org