Why does anyone buy bottled water?

Every time I read about share prices, local water quality, or someone keeps their fridge stocked with bottles of water I start getting very confused.<br><br>Water is literally some of the cheapest shit you can buy? As well as being amazingly good for you. I guess I could see the appeal in some cities where the water quality is poor but that’s by far the minority!<br><br>I swear I’ve seen bottled water go for 12 bottles for $2.50.<br><br>Edit: Thank you all for responding. I should clarify I’ve never been to a place where tap water is unsafe, I’m in New Zealand. I’ve lived in a few cities and the tap water has never been contaminated. <br><br>With regards to plastic bottle quality I never meant to suggest that plastic water bottles are any worse than any other plastic bottles. I just don’t think they should be consumed regularly. I guess you’d have to do a systematic review to find out if there are any studies showing this.<br><br>Also, as a follow up I just went to the supermarket to buy supplies for a work party and discovered that one bottle of water in a plastic bottle is roughly 1L for $3.50. So not as cheap as I thought. So I guess if you wanted a convenient bottle of water, then you could see the logic of buying a 20 pack for 12 x $2.50.