This week’s environmental controversy focuses on bottled water in  terms of   its health safety, and financial issues. People disagree on  whether government   or private groups should be designated to promote  healthier water. What is your   position? Review the background  information. Then using the references along   with resources from your  own research, write a 1-2 page response to the   questions below.  Remember to cite your sources using proper APA format. 

Background Information

Critics of bottled water note that the products often contain  dangerous   bacteria and other contaminants. They argue that the U.S.  Food and Drug   Administration (FDA) needs to better regulate the  contents of bottled water.   Others argue that media watchdog groups and  competition within the private   sector, rather than more regulations,  are the best solutions for improving the   quality of bottled water. 

   References   

Use these references to help answer the questions that follow. You  may want   to also search the Internet for additional resources.

  Bottled water: More than just a story about  sales growth;   Stringent federal, state and industry standards help  ensure safety, quality and   good taste. (2007, April 9). PR Newswire.  Retrieved October 8, 2009, from   ProQuest Newsstand. (Document ID:  1251895191).FILLER TEXT   
Link to articleFILLER TEXT   Lisa Turner. (2001, December). Toxins on tap?  Better   Nutrition, 63(12), 48-50. Retrieved October 8, 2009, from  Research Library.   (Document ID: 90062665).FILLER TEXT   
Link to articleFILLER TEXT   Brown, J. (2008, May). Water pressure.  Vegetarian   Times,(358), 29-31,6. Retrieved October 8, 2009, from  Research Library.   (Document ID: 1466274691).FILLER TEXT   
Link to articleFILLER TEXT   Krogstad, A. (2009, January). Purifying the  business of   selling water. E : the Environmental Magazine, 20(1),  10-11. Retrieved October   8, 2009, from Research Library. (Document ID:  1626604811).FILLER TEXT   
Link to articleFILLER TEXT   Knopper, M. (2008, May). Bottled water backlash. FILLER TEXT(3), 36-39.  Retrieved October 8,   2009, from Research Library. (Document ID: 1475949361).FILLER TEXT   
Link to articleFILLER TEXT 

Questions 

Based on what you have read, do you believe that pollution standards  should   be established for bottled water? What arguments most  influenced your decision?   How would you explain your position to  someone who disagrees with you?