THE Department of Consumer Affairs of Ministry of Business has noted with deep concern, a number of water processors and resellers of five-gallon water who are not in compliance with the established requirements.

Many Guyanese rely on drinking water from manufacturers and distributors who are expected to be validly licensed and oftentimes buy portions of drinking water by five-gallon water bottles.
Just recently, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) caught water company, Arctic Waters, filling its 10,000-gallon capacity truck with water from a fire hydrant, for sale to its customers.

The said act amounts to tampering and is punishable by law. Members of the public were outraged by the act and questioned the business’ integrity and that of others.
In a public notice on Tuesday, the Department of Consumer Affairs said that a number of water processors and resellers of five-gallon water are not in compliance with the requirements of the Government Analyst – Food and Drug Department (GA-FFD), for water processors and distributors.

The department therefore advises consumers that manufacturers and distributors must have a valid licence, issued by the GA-FFD and Drug Department of the Ministry of Public Health, prior to being in operation.

This is an indicator of their compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s) and the said licence must be prominently displayed for consumers to see.

The Department of Consumer Affairs also reminded that all bottles used must be properly cleaned, sanitised, labelled and sealed. Personal bottles should also be sanitised regularly. Meanwhile, no funnel should be used to transfer water to bottles prior to sale and/or distribution.

Consumers are also advised to report any company or individual who fails to comply with the GA-FFD requirements as it relates to the sale of treated water to the general public.