Understanding Member's Mark Bottled Water
Sam's Club's bottled water is sold under its private label, Member's Mark. It is important to distinguish this current product from the older "Sam's Choice" brand, which was sold at Walmart and is no longer relevant to the quality of the current Member's Mark line. The source and purification methods for Member's Mark water are clearly stated, and understanding these can help consumers make an informed decision about its safety and quality.
The Purification Process
Member's Mark purified water is treated using the industry-standard reverse osmosis (RO) process. Reverse osmosis is a filtration method that removes many contaminants, including heavy metals, chemicals, and bacteria, by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane. Some of the product descriptions also list added minerals, such as calcium chloride and sodium bicarbonate, which are included to enhance the taste that is often stripped away during the purification process.
Purification steps typically include:
- Initial filtration: Water is pre-filtered to remove larger particles.
- Reverse osmosis: High pressure forces water through a semipermeable membrane, filtering out most dissolved solids and contaminants.
- Mineral enhancement: A small amount of minerals like calcium chloride and sodium bicarbonate is added back to improve the flavor profile.
- Packaging: The water is then bottled under sanitary conditions.
Regulation and Oversight
In the U.S., bottled water is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a food product, while municipal tap water is overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). FDA regulations are mandated to be as stringent and protective of public health as the EPA's standards for tap water. This means that legally, bottled water like Member's Mark must meet federal safety requirements. However, there are differences in public disclosure requirements. Tap water suppliers must provide annual water quality reports to the public, detailing contaminant levels. In contrast, bottled water companies are not legally required to make test results public, though some, like Walmart (who owns Sam's Club), may provide reports via their corporate website. For Member's Mark specifically, the ultimate source (municipal or well water) can vary by location and bottler, which for Niagara-branded water at Sam's Club can be identified on the back label.
Historical Context and Recent Concerns
Any discussion of Sam's Club bottled water safety often leads to older, widely cited reports, which require clarification.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) Report (2008)
A 2008 report by the EWG found that the older "Sam's Choice" bottled water contained disinfection byproducts, specifically trihalomethanes (THMs), that exceeded some California state and industry voluntary standards. These findings were based on a different product line and were from over a decade ago. It is critical not to apply these findings directly to the current Member's Mark product, which utilizes reverse osmosis purification and comes from various, constantly-monitored sources.
Microplastics and Chemical Leaching
More recent and general bottled water concerns relate to microplastics and plastic leaching. A 2018 study found that 93% of bottled water samples worldwide showed some sign of microplastic contamination, potentially originating from the packaging process. Furthermore, chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates can leach from plastic bottles, particularly single-use ones that are reused. Member's Mark bottles are typically labeled BPA-free and recyclable, but this is a broader issue within the bottled water industry.
Comparison: Member's Mark Bottled Water vs. Tap Water
Choosing between Member's Mark bottled water and filtered tap water involves weighing several factors, including cost, convenience, taste, and environmental impact. The following table provides a side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | Member's Mark Purified Bottled Water | Municipal Tap Water (Generally) |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | FDA (as a food product) | EPA (under Safe Drinking Water Act) |
| Source | Municipal or well water, varies by bottler | Surface or groundwater, locally sourced |
| Purification | Reverse osmosis and added minerals | Multi-stage treatment, including chlorination |
| Contaminant Disclosure | Not legally required to make test results public | Annual reports detailing test results publicly available |
| Cost | Significantly more expensive per gallon | Very inexpensive, often a fraction of the cost |
| Taste | Often consistent, with mineral enhancement | Varies by location and source |
| Environmental Impact | High due to single-use plastic bottles | Lower, especially when using reusable containers |
| Potential Issues | Microplastics, potential bottle leaching | Potential for localized contamination, pipe corrosion |
Verdict: So, is Sam's Club bottled water safe?
Yes, Member's Mark purified bottled water is generally safe to drink, as it undergoes a robust reverse osmosis purification process and must adhere to FDA regulations. However, it's important to understand the nuance involved. The brand was implicated in older safety reports under a different name and bottling process, so those historical issues do not reflect the current product. The potential risks associated with Member's Mark water are largely the same as those for any bottled water: microplastic contamination and chemical leaching from the plastic packaging. When deciding between bottled and tap, it is beneficial to weigh the costs and environmental factors. For many, a simple home water filter can provide a more economical and environmentally friendly alternative to bottled water. When purchasing Member's Mark, customers can have confidence that the product meets federal safety standards, though those seeking maximum transparency or reduced plastic usage may prefer filtered tap water.
Bottled Water Regulations from the FDA
Conclusion
Member's Mark purified bottled water is a safe and regulated product for consumption. It uses modern reverse osmosis technology to produce a clean-tasting and consistent product that meets federal safety standards. The issues related to the older Sam's Choice brand should not be confused with the quality of today's Member's Mark line. While Member's Mark provides a convenient option, consumers should be aware of the wider concerns affecting the bottled water industry, such as microplastics and plastic leaching. Ultimately, the safest and most transparent water source for many is properly filtered municipal tap water, but for convenience or in case of emergency, Member's Mark is a compliant and trustworthy product. You can review the FDA's resources to learn more about bottled water oversight.
