So who's right?

Moving from Singapore to London, drinking water, as far as I am concerned, has not changed. Well, maybe over here, I do sometimes take one extra step to filter the "hard water".
Bottled water goes for a premium back home, though I clearly remember "mineral water" going for 35cts at Guardian few years back.

The media here has been playing up on the "pureness" of bottled water. Rather the lack of it and the public misguided perception of its cleanliness.

Bottled water 'a waste of money'

Research commissioned by a Swiss-based conservation group indicates that bottled water is often no healthier or safer to drink than tap water.

The World Wide Fund for Nature argues strongly that bottled water is not only environmentally unfriendly but also a waste of money

Read the full BBC article here.

.. and this from National Geographic...

Bottled Water Isn't Healthier Than Tap, Report Reveals
A bottle of spring or mineral water has become the lifestyle accessory of the health-conscious. No longer a luxury item, the beverage has become a common sight worldwide.

But according to campaigners, the planet's health may be suffering as a result.

Read the full article here.

I would think this would be a non-issue back home since Singaporeans, being Singaporeans i.e. cheapo, either go for the basic (free) "plain water". Or fizzy drinks. Well, until this in The New Paper...

EAU couture
By Esther Au Yong

November 24, 2007

TAP water is cheap. At most restaurants, cafes and bars, it's free. But ordering tap water is just so... ordinary.

The thirst-quencher of choice among trendsetters these days is exotic, unique and branded bottled water.

Designer water is already a big trend in the US and Europe, and it's only just starting to take a foothold in Singapore.

Of course, long-time industry leaders like Evian and Perrier are still widely sold, but others, like artesian water, are starting to infiltrate the market. Read more here.

So who's right?