As a trained environmental engineering, I have full confidence in the water treatment systems. Let me just comment on some of the other comments here.

1) Chlorination does not necessarily cause trihalomethanes (THM). Excess chlorination causes THM's. However, other processes such as ozonation (using peroxide) can cause similar byproducts with bromine. These both bromide byproducts and THM's are carefully monitored and cannot exceed limits which have been deemed to cause cancer. Finally, bottled water normally chlorinates to ensure on going treatment of the water after it is bottled. Ever wonder why bottled water has an expiry date? That is when the chlorine (or bromine) is no longer active.
2) The caller into Clark's show mentioned his belief that the water is placed into the distribution systems before the required 72 hour period. Considering the amount of water which is treated in these systems, pumping is normally not used. The system is instead passive and only driven by gravity. It is not possible to have this water in the distribution system before the 72 hours. If we pumped our water, we would be similar to India which consumes almost half of its power pumping water.
3) Bottled water is controlled by a different entity (FDA vs. water treatment regulations) than tap water. This means the reporting of water quality is not required for bottled water companies, whereas municipalities are required to report.

Any of these facts can be verified using environmental engineering texts such as Metcalf&Eddy or any water treatment textbook.

We have been using a water filter for years. I did extensive research and actually analyzed third-party analyses of the various units out there. One thing I learned: an effective filter CANNOT be purchased for $10-$15.

C'mon, Clark!

These units cost hundreds of dollars and I had no qualms or reservations for paying such a price. Our Mult-Pure unit has been a workhorse for us for more than ten years, costs us $60 per replacement filter (we buy 2 per year), and is worth every penny.

Our final price per gallon is about 8 cents, it tastes delicious, and requires no transport or environmental effort.

Never have and never will buy bottled water! It's a ridiculous waste of money. I refill a bottle and put it in the fridge, SIMPLE!

Tap water not only taste bad Clark. But Chlorine creates trihalothanes (cancer causing agents) every time you drink it and flouride is very toxic even in very small amounts. No thanks I will take my chances with either filtered or bottled water. The cost of good health is worth it.

So what's "flavored water" flavored with? Sugar? Plus something else?