Is your 20L water jar safe? A 7-point check you can do at the door
Before you accept a 20-litre jar, check that the cap seal is intact, the label shows the plant name, FSSAI licence number and a packing date or batch, the jar is clear without cracks or green tinge, and the water has no smell or floating particles. Reject any jar that fails one of these checks.
Water jars move through many hands — plant, vehicle, shop, doorstep. These checks take less than a minute and catch most problems before the jar reaches your dispenser.
The 7-point check
- Seal: the cap should have an unbroken shrink seal. A loose, torn or re-glued seal means the jar may have been opened.
- Label: look for the brand or plant name, address and an FSSAI licence number (a 14-digit number).
- Date: there should be a packing date or batch number. Water packed weeks ago and stored in sun is a red flag.
- Jar condition: hold it up to the light. Deep scratches, cracks, cloudy plastic or a green tinge mean the jar is old or poorly cleaned.
- Clarity: the water should be completely clear with nothing floating or settled at the bottom.
- Smell: after opening, there should be no smell. A plastic, musty or chlorine-heavy smell is a reason to return it.
- Transport: water should not travel or sit for hours in direct sun. Ask how the jars are carried.
What the label numbers mean
The FSSAI licence number tells you the plant is registered with India’s food safety regulator. Packaged drinking water is classed by FSSAI as a high-risk food, which means plants face risk-based inspections every year. For a full explanation of the BIS and FSSAI marks, see our guide on drinking water marks.
How Refillr handles this
- Every Refillr jar carries its own QR code, scanned when it is filled, loaded and delivered.
- Jars are imported, crystal-clear BPA-free polycarbonate with a built-in handle, and are cleaned before every refill.
- Water is BIS-grade drinking water from FSSAI-approved partner plants, and jars travel in a covered van.
If a jar fails a check
Do not open or pour it. Take a photo of the seal and label, and ask for a replacement. With Refillr, send the photo on WhatsApp and we will arrange a replacement.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I know if packaged drinking water is genuine?
Check for an intact cap seal, a label with the plant name and address, a 14-digit FSSAI licence number and a packing date or batch number. Missing details are a warning sign.
Why does my water jar look green inside?
A green tinge usually means algae, which grows when jars are stored in sunlight or not cleaned properly. Do not drink from it; return the jar.
Can I reuse a 20L jar for storing water at home?
Returnable jars are meant to go back to the plant for professional cleaning. Refilling them yourself from a tap or well is not recommended.
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