I am aware that not everyone has good water from the tap. That is why I used the qualifier "most." Additionally, some water is no doubt deteriorating due to the inactions of George Bush's EPA. In the cases where the water is not up to standards, the public officials should be held accountable. However, it is still the case that most people have useable, inoffensive water and do not need it from bottles.

I agree that it is marketting. And the fact that that marketting is so successful and that more people use bottled water takes some of the load of responsibility off public officials to make sure the water supply is good.