Tap Water v. Bottled Water

[Knockwurst]

An interesting question arose from a post in Politics even though what started as a joke, quickly degenerated into an AC cluster [censored].

The issue is -- Considering environmental impact, health and well-being, cost and enjoyment, what is better: tap water (filtered if you like) or bottled water, such as Poland Springs, Evian, etc.

Pros and Cons

Bottled water wastes an incredible amount of resources in its packaging.

Bottled water's packaging is harmful to the environment, as non-recylced plastics take very long to degrade.

Bottled water takes a resource that is for everyone and turns it into a commodity that not everyone can afford.

Bottled water is expensive. Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?

Most tap water has less bacteria and other contaminates.
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Bottled water tastes better (to those who buy it presumably).

You look cooler in a restaurant drinking bottled water as opposed to tap.

Bottled water is often more convenient (for carrying around, etc.).

The difference in cost, for a single person, maybe a couple of hundred a year, is minimal.

My building may have rusty pipes or other contaminates.

The debate made me seriously question for the first time my purchasing of bottled water. (I live in NYC, btw).

Any insights from the Lounge?