Summary of Laboratory Test Results

Test Purpose and Method
Two independent scientific laboratories tested the WaterSafe™ System in 1998 to determine its effectiveness at reducing the possible entry of bacterial contaminants into the cold reservoir of a bottled water cooler.

The labs tested five different models of bottled water coolers- representative of the coolers manufactured by the three U.S. manufacturers. Tested coolers included those with plastic, removable reservoirs as well as fixed, stainless steel reservoirs. The tests required a total of 15 coolers, three of each of the five models providing a positive control, negative control, and test unit for each cooler model.

The labs conducted two different tests. One test measured the WaterSafe™ System's effectiveness in reducing bacterial entry into cold reservoirs from the deliberately contaminated outer surface of a 5 gallon bottle. This test attempted to mimic the effects of improper handling and/or storage of bottles. Lab personnel inoculated test bottles with test bacteria at three locations on the outer surface of the bottle: the shoulder, the neck and the lip/cap of each bottle. A sufficient amount of water was used to ensure the bottle did not empty upon application to the cooler. (In the cases where a WaterSafe™ cap was present and used on the bottle, the test bacteria intended for the lip of the bottle was placed on the outer portion of the cap otherwise covering the lip of the bottle). Water was dispensed from each cooler and analyzed for the presence of the test bacteria.

The second test measured the effectiveness of the WaterSafe™ System at reducing the entry of airborne bacterial contaminants into the water reservoir during water dispensing. Lab personnel aerosolized test bacteria around the bottles on the test coolers. Water was dispensed from each cooler and analyzed for the presence of the test bacteria.

After each test, all equipment was cleaned and sanitized to prevent cross-contamination and isolate the results of each test.

Findings
The WaterSafe™ System provided an effective barrier that reduced the possibility that contaminants from the exterior surface of the bottle, or contaminants which may be airborne during water dispensing, would enter the water.

ALL coolers tested, under both testing methods, which USED the WaterSafe™ System had no measurable amounts of the test bacteria, E. coli.

ALL coolers tested, under both testing methods, which DID NOT USE the WaterSafe™ System had measurable amounts of the test bacteria in the dispensed water.

DATE: September 9, 1998
FROM: Eric Korthals
COMPANY: Commonwealth Technology, Inc.

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