Chapter 1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING Background of the Study
People are becoming more health conscious these days and many believe that bottled water is a healthier alternative to tap water (Petty, S. et. al. 2010). Water is a very important resource. Some people are now switching to bottled water because they feel it’s a healthier alternative to other beverages, as well as being a convenient source of water or tap water. People thought that drinking bottled water is safer and cleaner than tap water, bottled water Industry has been under scrutiny for a variety of issues but bottled water still proves that they are the beneficial resource in certain situations. Nowadays, people are more concern to their financial, health and environment due to the negative impacts bottled water. Globally, particularly in U.S. and Canada, bottled water is regulated as a food. Meaning it does not have to be tested as frequently for bacteria and chemical contaminated as city water does. Also, studies shows that some micro-organisms tend to grow more frequently in bottled water than they do in tap water (Petty, S. et. al 2010). According to the study of Gleick (2010), the author states that some people are afraid that the water that comes out to their tap will harm them and it also states that the fear of tap water could come from the bottled water advertisers inadvertently suggest that tap water has a lower quality compare to bottled. Also, Foote, M (2011) states that according to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC,1999), most consumers widely believe that bottled water is better for them due to added health benefits, even as this is not the case. Bottled water is also perceived to be safer than most tap water, when in fact nearly all U.S. residents have access to safe and reliable drinking water. Nationally, in Metro Manila, Philippines, the consumption of bottled