There is, inarguably, no more basic life giving and sustaining substance than the (inorganic) combination of hydrogen and oxygen which we call “water.” No life, as we define it, exists in its absence; in fact, the search for extraterrestrial life consists, essentially, in the search for water or at least, some history of its presence on the studied planets.
We are told that our human body is comprised of no less than 60% water; additionally, we know from extensive and consistent research findings, that life on Earth evolved from primitive organisms living in the ocean (water). With such beginnings, it is no wonder that a commonly desired choice for vacation venue is the seaside, mankind’s nursery.
History records many bloody wars that have been fought over water, nationally and internationally; out west, cattlemen have contended with farmers for water, in the Middle East it has been the subject of tragic contention between Israeli and Arab and is more vital and precious than oil.
Health providers advise the drinking of eight glasses of water per day which, apparently, is inclusive of all liquids consumed, the latter all made with water.
As Americans, most of us are fortunate to reside in a planetary venue where “potable” (drinkable) water is abundant (with the unusual exception of such areas as Flint Michigan, where mismanagement and corruption has resulted in severe problems). Normally, there exists an ample, regular supply of excellent drinking water. It may be noted that the State of New York is reputed to be one of its finest sources.
Elsewhere on the planet where drinking water is less available there are water purification projects in existence, or at least, in the process of development; salinization plants are equipped to convert ocean water to healthy drinking water.
Not that long ago, were someone to suggest, as a business enterprise, the private bottling and sale of drinking water, the suggestion would have seemed akin to the proverbial offer for the sale of the Brooklyn Bridge. Indeed, Nature has fortunately provided us with abundant quantities of this essential substance; unfortunately, in some places, from me to time, in troublesome overabundance.
Historically, adequate supplies of tested, safe water has been provided by municipalities, as an accepted part of society’s infrastructure and as part of the public good. Notwithstanding these facts, recent times have witnessed the advent of the successful commercial sale of private bottled water to the public.
Despite the ready availability of free, high quality tap water consumers, apparently responsive to subtle marketing strategies, have taken to the purchase and use of commercially bottled water. Any visit to a local supermarket will, predictably, reveal entire sectional departments solely dedicated to the sale of bottled water (under alluring brands, such as “smart water” or some other misleading name) in attractively designed plastic bottles.
Ironically, many of the regular consumers of commercially bottled water are, as well, advocates for the protection of our planet and for a “greener” environment; yet their polyethylene plastic water bottles are not biodegradable and the enormous, and growing, quantity of empty discarded bottles have continued to cause horrific damage to nature and all of its living things, both flora and fauna.
The discarded plastic empties end up distributed all over the globe and cause death and the despoiling of the natural environment. Tap water is healthful and completely adequate in fully meeting the need for healthy hydration and, most importantly, it does so, without causing what may prove to be, permanent damage to our planet.
We would like to point out to the dutiful shopper, strategically packing a water bottle in her large purse as she leaves home, that the route to Bloomingdale’s does not, by any stretch, entail a trek across the Serengeti.
-p.
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