Frequently Asked Questions
Have a water question? Look below for a selection of frequently asked questions (with answers) regarding bottled water products, water coolers, and delivery services.
If you don't find your question here, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help find an answer to your question.
How do you ensure the quality of your bottled water?
Our spring and artesian water sources originate well below the earth's surface and are inspected, tested and certified to ensure that we bring you a great tasting, quality water.
Each of our spring water sources is certified by licensed geologists. Processes such as ultraviolet light disinfection and ozonation help us ensure that what you get in your bottle of spring water has the same natural mineral content found in the original spring source.
Learn more about our bottled water quality standards by viewing our water quality reports in English or Spanish on our quality standards page.
Learn the facts about your drinking water from the Drinking Water Research Foundation (DWRF).
How can I show my support for bottled water?
Take a minute to sign a petition in support of bottled water. Your signature COUNTS! Available through the BottledWaterMatters.org website, the goal is 50,000 signatures. Please include your personal email address when submitting. Once completed, share the website with your family and friends, to ensure as many bottled water supporters as possible sign the petition.
What water container sizes are available?
Depending on your location, we deliver a wide variety of container sizes such as:
- 5 Gallon Returnable Bottles
- 3 Gallon Returnable Bottles
- 2.5 Gallon Bottles (3/Case) in select markets
- 1 Gallon Bottles* (6/Case) in select markets
- 16.9 oz. (0.5 L) Bottles* (24/Case)
- 24 oz. Bottles* (24/Case)
- 8 oz. with added Fluoride Bottles* (24/Case)
What is a Refundable Bottle Deposit?
A bottle deposit is a fee charged for every 3 or 5-gallon bottle delivered to you (depending on your water plan, these typically only show up on your first bill). A bottle deposit is refundable and will be credited to your account as each empty bottle is returned.
What is Delivery Fee?
Our delivery fee helps to cover operation costs of the delivery of bottled water products to your home or office including but not limited to driver expenses, vehicle maintenance, gas, or other delivery related expenses.
What size are your Water Coolers?
Dimensions vary but most of our water coolers are about one foot wide, one foot deep and approximately 3 - 4 feet tall.
Why should I choose home delivery over buying water at the store?
Having our water delivered to your home or office is convenient and affordable.
Do you use glass bottles?
Most of our bottles are returnable plastic bottles; they weigh less and are safer to use. In very limited markets, we offer our customers the option to select water in glass bottles.
What can you tell me about BPA?
Please refer to our question and answer page for more information about Bisphenol-A (BPA).
What is PET plastic?
PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate, a plastic resin and a form of polyester. It is the type of plastic labeled with the #1 recycling code on or near the bottom of bottles and containers and is commonly used to package soft drinks, water, juice, peanut butter and salad dressing.
Do you recycle your big bottles?
Yes! DS Services is dedicated to using environmentally responsible bottled water containers where possible. Our 3 and 5-Gallon bottles are cleaned, sanitized and refilled up to 50 times. Most of our big water bottles are recycled at the end of their life-cycle. The recycled plastic is used to make carpet, toys, tool handles, bird feeders and other items. For these reasons, you won't typically find large bottled water containers in landfills.
What are recycling options for single-serve bottles?
Our single-serve bottled water products are convenient, but we do urge you to recycle them if recycling programs are available. Recycling programs may not be available in your community.
How long is the shelf-life of a bottle of water?
Our 2.5 gallon and smaller container sizes indicate a "best by" date on the bottle. Our 3 and 5 gallon bottles indicate the date of manufacture on the shoulder of the bottle. Bottled drinking water is not a perishable food product, however; we recommend rotating your emergency supply of bottled drinking water and storing it under optimum conditions. Bottled drinking water should always be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and high temperatures. Bottled drinking water should be stored away from paints, solvents, garden chemicals, cleaning compounds and petroleum products, such as gasoline.
What type of bottled water containers should I store for emergency preparedness?
We recommend our 8-ounce, 16-ounce and 24-ounce PET bottles and 1- and 2.5-gallon containers. These smaller containers are typically easier to handle and store.
How often should I rotate the bottles of water that I have stored for emergencies?
We recommend rotating and replacing your supply every six months.
How can I be sure I have water for an emergency?
One way is to start home bottled water delivery service. The Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness recommends at least three gallons of bottled water per person1 in your emergency supply.
Learn more about how to prepare for emergencies.
I am a retailer, how can I re-sell your product?
Thank you for your interest. Please contact us at: 800.682.0246
I want to speak to someone about advertising or event opportunities, who should I contact?
Thank you for your interest. Please use our Contact Us form.
1 "Family Plan," Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, State of Louisiana
*Customer subject to CA CASH REFUND and applicable bottle deposits on free and purchased cases.