The heat is on, temperatures are soaring and many residents are preparing to escape the urban jungle to enjoy the festive season beyond the city’s borders.
December in South Africa is characterised by road trips and leisurely days spent under the glorious African sun.
Charlotte Metcalf. the CEO South African National Bottled Water Association (SANBWA), warns that healthy hydration needs to be a top priority.
“With heatwaves expected to sweep across the country, dehydration can pose serious risks to physical and mental well-being,” she said.
“Hydration is more than quenching thirst, it is the cornerstone of good health. “
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures causes the body to sweat in an effort to cool down. This natural reaction can however lead to dehydration and associated symptoms which include fatigue, headaches, confusion as well as muscle cramps.
“Sufficient water intake is also vital when indulging in the season’s rich foods and alcoholic beverages, which could further rob the body of essential fluids,” said Metcalf.
“Proper hydration supports energy levels, concentration and overall well-being, ensuring that you can enjoy your much-needed break while making memories with loved ones.”
When choosing bottled water, Metcalf reminds consumers to ensure that the selected product bears the SANBWA logo thus, ensuring that the water meets stringent quality, safety and environmental standards.
“SANBWA-accredited bottled water is classified as a food, meaning it adheres to rigorous production processes,” she said.
“These include thorough testing, source protection, hygienic processing and secure sealing, offering consumers peace of mind.Metcalf cautions that although widely available, affordable and convenient water refill stations, lack the stringent safety protocols of bottled water.
“Water from refill stations is typically sourced from municipal taps and does not undergo the same rigorous testing or hygiene practices as SANBWA-certified bottled water. It is not the same as the regulated packaged water category,” she warns.
“Poorly maintained equipment and unsanitised bottles can introduce harmful contaminants, such as E.coli and Pseudomonas, which thrive in unclean systems.
“Further to that, refilled water is not sealed or classified as food and therefore lacks a verified shelf life making it risky for long-term storage.”
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