It is very important to provide consistent water quality at all times without going over the top in terms of system sophistication. It is important to minimize risk at all time. In the simplest terms, all water used for soft drinks must be free from micro-organisms, taints and odors, clear and colorless and especially if it is to be carbonated, free from dissolved oxygen.
Many soft drink plants have their own private water supply and the water from such sources may or may not be of suitable quality.
At each production site the treated water should be tested for conductivity, turbidity, microbiological level, taste, odor and appearance, alkalinity and free chlorine.
In addition, the incoming raw water should be tested daily for turbidity and microbiological levels. The ideal specification for a soft drink can probably be determined by reference to its microbiological contaminants but especially coliforms as evidence of faecal contamination, Crystosporidium and Giarda.
It would also be free from toxic substances such as heavy metals, hydrocarbons, pesticides, herbicides, dioxins, etc.
Water for soft drinks
