Some people call it designer water, and make a practice of sampling different bottled brands.
Drinking tap water also helps the environment, because 1.5 million tons of plastic are used each year to package water. Toxic chemicals released during the manufacture and disposal of bottles also can contribute to climate change, according to the a study by the organization released Wednesday. The International Bottled Water Association, based in Alexandria, Virginia, said there would be no comment until the organization has had a chance to read the study. The consumption of bottled water is increasing around the world. Only in Europe, where the market is saturated, and Africa was the increase in the single digits.