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I always knew that aquafina was not spring water, only tap water that has been filtered five times through reverse osmosis. I'm sorry for others who thought otherwise. And if you think the "bring your bottle" or cooler water is any different you are fooling yourself. Bottled water does not mean it is from a spring...it generally just means it has been processed a little more than your run of the mill tap water.

So why drink bottled water? There really is no need. In fact, in my opinion drinking bottled water is unnecessary and causes problems you may not even think about the next time you crack open a bottle of purified water. The more we buy into the bottled water industry - the more money and power we are allowing the bottling industry over our fresh sources of water (because, yes, some companies actually do have spring water). There is much rumour and speculation that these big bottling companies may take over water supplies in less developed countries stating that they are providing the service of providing clean water - while truly gouging these already destitute people of more money. Supporting the bottled water industry may indirectly be supporting this disturbing possibility.

And then there is the research stating that as the bottled water sits in its bottle the plastic begins to break down and leak dangerous chemicals into the water - reducing its "claimed" purity.

And how about the environment? Great - you can recycle the bottles - but what are the percentage that actually make it to the bottle depot? And what about the vast amounts of energy required to manufacture the bottles and labels and boxes? What about the fossil fuel that is burned, and the ensuing green house gases emitted in transporting these bottles to millions of stores across North America? Bottled water may not actually be better for you in the long run if it is contributing to the destruction of the planet you like to call home.

So what about tap water? What is so terrible about it? Yes, research shows a rise in chemicals and other undesirables found in tap water - but a simple filtration system (similar to ones used by Pepsi) are available to filter your water at home. There are fast numbers of reusable water bottles on the market - for even the most fashionable water guzzler. And if you are addicted to the instant, cool refreshing taste of your water cooler water - it is possible to fill those jugs with tap water.

And just think of the money you save! If the average water consumer drank 3 bottles of water a day, every day for a year, and the water cost even 65 cents a bottle, that consumer will have spent $711.75 over the course of the year. You can buy a pretty amazing water filtration system for that, and a couple of very nice water bottles - and still have change left over to buy more important things.

Bottled water is convenient - and in this age of instant gratification it is easy to see what bottled water is such a huge thing. But if consumers would just take a moment to consider all of the money they are flushing down the toilet, and all of environmental damage they are raining down on the earth - perhaps taking the 30 seconds to fill up at the tap would not be such a draining exercise.

Learn more about this author, Jessica Callele.
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