Frequently Asked Questions:
Q-What exactly is a "Water Store" and why is it better than where I get my water now?
A-A water store is a store that specializes in drinking water. Drinking water is our business, and we take it very seriously. From the high speed stainless steel automatic dispensers, bottle rinsers and 24 Hour vending station, to the state of the art processing equipment, every detail has been covered with quality in mind. With drive up parking, you are never more than 20 paces from your car. Need a hand carrying your water? No problem, we will take it right to your car for you. We also give you new caps free with your refill so your water stays in your jug, not your trunk. Want more? How about getting free water with our Loyalty and Referral Programs. You will also find high quality coolers, purification equipment and other accessories; and we service what we sell!
Q-Is bottled water all the same?
A-No. There are different types of bottled water that you may find throughout Canada. Some of the most common types of drinking water are spring, mineral, reverse osmosis, and distilled. We use the method of distillation, as we feel it yields a superior product. Try a bottle of our water and taste the difference.
Q-Why do you sell your water containers instead of accepting a deposit?
A-Our customers are able to purchase brand new polycarbonate containers at our store. Due to widespread mishandling of water containers in circulation on deposit (storage of money, mixing juice, aquarium use, fuel storage, etc.) we encourage our customers to buy new containers. By owning and caring for your own container you can be assured that it has never been mishandled or used for anything other than it's intended purpose. New containers also carry a warranty against defects.
Q-I already have a container, do I have to buy a new one?
A-No. All containers are welcome, no matter what shape, size, or label they carry. If you are happy with the condition of your present container, bring it in for a rinse and refill. If you would like a new container, simply return your old one to the place you paid the deposit to, and get your deposit back. Then you can purchase a new container at Atlantic Premium Water Store for $12.50 +HST (includes first fill FREE!).
Q-I usually just exchange my empty one for a filled one, do I have to refill my container?
A-We encourage customers to refill their own container. Our high speed, fully automated dispensers fill fill your 5 gallon/18.9 Litre container in about 70 seconds with the touch of a button. Four indoor fill stations mean no line ups. New caps are included, so you are on your way faster than you can even say "Grocery Store".
Q-How does your 24 Hour Vending Machine work?
A-The 24 Hour Vending Station is installed in our front window to allow easy 24 Hour access to our Purified Drinking Water. Our storefront features a well lit front awning to ensure that you are protected from both rain and darkness. A reserved parking space in front of the machine allows you to drive right up to the machine for easy access. To use the machine, first remove the cap from your container. Place the container inside the vend unit, use the flip down shelf for small containers. Select the correct size of your container by pressing the menu key repeatedly (1, 2, 3, 5 and 20 gallon). Insert the correct amount of change (the machine cannot return change). Press the start/pause key to begin filling. You may pause the fill at any time (for up to 5 minutes) by pressing the start/pause key during filling. Once filled, new push one caps are located in the mailbox next to the machine. Simple snap them on, and you are done! If you have questions about the operation of the machine, come into our store during business hours for a demonstration, or call 446-4426 during or after hours. Click here to see the simple Step By Step Diagram that is posted next to the machine.
Q-What is "Vapour Compression"?
A-Vapour Compression is a method of steam distillation whereby pure steam is forced under pressure through a series of stainless steel heat transfer plates. Although the equipment is relatively complex and expensive, this method of distillation is extremely energy efficient, and produces water of exceedingly high purity. Very few competitors use this method due to the complexity and expense of the equipment. We however, specialize in commercial purification, ozone and distillation systems. Customers have our commercial equipment operating across Canada in Cape Breton, Halifax, Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Fort McMurray and Vancouver to name a few, as well as Kentucky, New York, Oklahoma, and even China.
Q-Why use distillation, isn't reverse osmosis good enough?
A-Yes, reverse osmosis is in most cases "good enough", just not good enough for us! We choose to further purify our Premium Purified Water through distillation because it simply produces a higher purity product, and provides more consistent results.
Q-What does distilled water taste like? Does it taste "flat"?
A-Distilled water, when produced properly should taste almost like nothing at all. One taste of our water, and we think you will agree that it is second to none.
Q-Is distilled water healthy?
A-Distillation removes over 99.9% of impurities in drinking water. Inorganic minerals, heavy metals and other dissolved solids inhibit the jobs that water carries out in the body. Not only does it taste great, it is good for you!
Q-What is ozone, and why is it used?
A-Ozone an unstable isotope of oxygen (three oxygen molecules bonded together, O3). It is generated when a high voltage spark is passed through an oxygen atom (O2). It is a powerful oxidant and disinfectant; over one and one half times stronger than chlorine. It is used to ensure that the pure water stays pure. Once it is finished it's job, it quickly reverts back to pure oxygen, leaving no chemical or by-product behind. Ozone has a distinctive "fresh" smell, and often can be smelled in the air after an electrical storm.
Q-Do I need to clean my water cooler? Why?
A-Yes, your water cooler needs to be cleaned periodically. This should be done regardless of the type of water you are using. Health Canada has some instructions here: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/food-aliment/mh-dm/mhe-dme/e_faqs_bottle_water_eng.html#A19
We also have kits available with non-toxic cleaning solutions and accessories you need to clean your cooler.
Q-Help! There is something wrong with my cooler!
A-If you are having cooler troubles, we may be able to help. We stock parts for many major brands of coolers. Whether it is a spigot, thermostat or just a cleaning you need, we may be able to help.
Q-Is your process environmentally friendly?
A-We have taken careful steps to ensure that water and energy consumption are carefully monitored and reduced whenever possible. We recycle much of the reject water from our purification processes to reuse as cooling water and for heat transfer. By using high efficiency heat exchangers power consumption is remarkably low. Damaged bottles, plastic cooler cabinets and even your used bottle caps are all recycled to minimize drain on natural resources.
Q-Are you locally owned?
A-Absolutely. We are 100% locally owned. As such, we do our best to support other locally owned businesses and Canadian Manufacturers. Wherever possible, we rely on Canadian Made goods to provide our services. From bottles, labels and caps to purification and interface equipment, we believe in supporting our neighbours in HRM and other parts of Canada.
Atlantic Premium Water Store Ltd.
902-446-4426 877-935-0505
