Cracking down on “water-men,” who sell untreated water to consumers, the Ministry of Health and Environmental Services on Friday issued a new set of rules for bottled water distributors to follow.
Arrangements were made with the Business License section to, before issuing a license for bottled water distribution, mandate all distributors to provide the following:
* a valid health certificate
* name, address and phone number of the respective company conspicuously displayed on the vehicle
* submission of the license and registration number of the vehicle
* identification card
* storage facility for products
These initiatives came after numerous consumers complained that independent distributors, also known as water-men, sold them five-gallon bottles filled with well water, rather than purified water.
One consumer contacted the Ministry after purchasing a five-gallon water bottle from a gas station. She proceeded to take off the seal and pour the water, but a foul odour changed her mind.
With the public put on alert, the Ministry began investigation of the water-men who drive through neighbourhoods and set up at roadsides by testing their bottled water for contamination.
Speaking at a press briefing, Parliamentary Secretary within the Ministry Ron Pinder said following a meeting with the country’s leading bottled water distributors, it was decided that guidelines have to be implemented to ensure the safe distribution and delivery of bottled water.
He said the Department of Environmental Health Services would ensure that inspections are made to verify that all of the stated requirements are met before an approved letter of recommendation is forwarded to the licensing authority.
The deadline to comply with these requirements is June 15.
After this date, Mr. Pinder warned, relevant authorities, including the police, would be advised of people who have not complied and they will not be allowed to operate.
By Khashan Poitier, The Nassau Guardian
