Bottled Water Companies Prepare Campaign to Fight Public Interest Groups

[NashVegas]

This is what's coming down the pike.


*Competitive Enterprise Institute** *www.CEI.org
<http://www.CEI.org>

*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*

*Campaign Targets Unfair Political Assault on Bottled Water;
*/Petition Demands Access for Safety Workers, Consumers//
/
*Washington, D.C.*—A new petition drive demands that politicians not continue
plans to ban the product for safety workers and consumers. The campaign comes
in the wake of a politically-motivated attack against bottled water, a study by
an environmental pressure group designed to undermine confidence in the safety
of the product.

“Just last week, the Environmental Working Group issued a junk science ‘study’
suggesting bottled water contains dangerous substances and is no better than
tap; yet their own data supports the opposite conclusions,” said *Angela
Logomasini*, Ph.D., Director of Risk and Environmental Policy at CEI.

This week, bottled water companies are meeting in Las Vegas to consider the
future of the industry (see: http://www.interbev.com/).

The pro-consumer campaign – EnjoyBottledWater.org
(http://www.enjoybottledwater.org/) - by the Competitive Enterprise Institute
calls for individuals to sign a petition demanding the freedom to choose bottled
water.

People most impacted by efforts to ban consumer access to bottled water include:

* immuno-compromised individuals following Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention recommendations to drink bottled water
* rescue workers who need portable, sanitary water
* sports and health enthusiasts who use bottled water to keep hydrated
* anyone who simply enjoys convenience and portability of bottled water


“An easily accessible, calorie free option for hydration is critical for an
on-the-go society, particularly for individuals with special needs, such as the
elderly, individuals engaged in sports, individuals participating in outdoor
events, and individuals on the road,” said Logomasini.

The threat to consumers is real. The U.S. Conference of Mayors passed
resolution last spring calling on cities to impose regulations, bans, and taxes.
Chicago imposed a bottled water tax, and several cities have banned bottled
water in government buildings. Salt Lake City has even denied bottled water to
firefighters! Some health clubs are considering forcing their clients to drink
tap water, shops are removing from store shelves, and restaurants are taking it
off their menus.

“This is just another example of government regulators eroding our freedom,”
said Logomasini. “If they succeed in banning and taxing water, what will they
go after next?” “

*FEATURED VIDEO: the political attack on bottled water – click here:
http://ceiondemand.org/?p=8
*
*Read more about the attack on bottled water at enjoybottledwater.org
(http://enjoybottledwater.org/)
*
CEI is a non-profit, non-partisan public policy group dedicated to the
principles of free enterprise and limited government. For more information
about CEI, please visit our website at www.cei.org <http://www.cei.org/> and
blog, openmarket.org http://www.openmarket.org/

[HeraldSquare212]

1. That, and Fresh Direct, would be at the top of my list of banned items.

Sorry, at-risk people have other options, including filtering. Besides, I'd rather filter my own if I had a problem than rely on Pepsi to do it for me.

[eleny]

2. “If they succeed in banning and taxing water, what will they go after next?”

From the industry that charges us a buck a bottle for water. :eyes:

[frebrd]

3. No one ever mentions the water sold in gallon containers in the stores.

Are they trying to ban that, too? If they do, it'll be a real problem for me.

[Indenturedebtor]

5. Buy a filter n/t

[NashVegas]

6. Best Investment Ever

My tap water tastes great, now.

[XemaSab]

4. Didn't I just read this thread?

Only it was about soda? :shrug:

Bottled water is mostly a scam, but having lived in a town where the water had uranium in it, I think people should be able to buy bottled water. The consumer should know what they're getting, and the industry should be regulated.