10/16/08 Contaminated Water

I could pretend that I am shocked, but I'm not. I could feign surprise, but I won't. What I will admit to is alarm. A two year study released Wednesday reported that contaminants normally found in plain tap water were discovered in several leading brands of bottled water. Now be honest, you're not really all that surprised either. I was alarmed however that the chemicals found in the tested bottled water, which is often touted as being more pure than tap water, included acetaminophen, fertilizer and a radioactive element. And once again, that super store with the big yellow smiley face is at the head of the pack; although they claim that their own studies didn't turn up illegal levels of contaminants. Imagine that. At the price consumers pay for bottled water you would think that they could expect to get what they paid for. Researchers suggest that if you're worried about water contaminants you should drink tap water with a carbon filter. Think of the money you'll save, and the good you'll be doing for the environment by cutting out the plastic bottles.