DRINKING-WATER QUALITY CONCERNS AND WATER VENDING MACHINES

Drinking water quality is a vital public health concern to consumers a nd regulators alike. This article describes some of the current microb iological, chemical, and radiological concerns about drinking water an d the evolution of water vending machines. Also addressed are the typi cal treatment processes used in water vending machines and their effec tiveness, as well as a brief examination of a certification program sp onsored by the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA), wh ich provides a uniform standard for the design and construction of foo d and beverage vending machines. For some consumers, the water dispens ed from vending machines is an attractive alternative to residential t ap water which may be objectionable for aesthetic or other reasons.