Why Process Water?

Whilst thinking about foods that I have stopped eating in their natural form and have turned, instead, to their processed counterparts, I have come across a realization relating to the topic. It may not be a food, however it is one of the most important daily intakes of the human body. Water makes up the vast majority of the human anatomy, thus making it one of the most important resources on the planet. While looking back to my childhood I recall drinking this magical liquid from faucets, hoses, water tanks, pools, and even the occasional glass, on hot summer days and nights. That water was from a well dug on my family's place of residence and there was not any reason to dispute it's nutritional value or it's components.

Now in the 21st century, many Americans prefer bottled water over the well water of their youth. Bottling companies have been making claims that this purified water is better for the human body, has better taste, and is convenient. I happen to disagree. However as I have moved from my humble family farm to the city in pursuit of an education I have been exposed to the bottle fanatics and their ways. After tasting the water provided by the city of Madison I have to agree that the bottled water has a better taste, however, when compared to the cool well water of my childhood, there is no comparison. Bottled water simply cannot simulate that particular flavor. Many bottling companies claim their product to be better for you than the water at one's own faucet. In some cases this may be true, but in many cases the quality of the water is comparable.

The biggest downfall to the bottled water is the bottles themselves. These plastic vessels create litter and excess trash which is annoying to take care of and can be expensive to replace and fill. Why many choose to pay for water which can be obtained for a very small cost at a drinking fountain, sink, or an outdoor faucet is beyond me. Unfortunately as the products are similar and bottling companies have been able to utilize advertising, bottled water appears to be here to stay for at least the next decade. As long as there is a worry of disease outbreak or just a belief that the bottled water is better, there will be a market for the bottled water. Bottled water is a multi-billion dollar market which is growing with every bottle, the facts simply do not add up for this to be a plausible source of water.