WASHINGTON, Oct 20, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ --A new petition drive demands that politicians not continue plans to banthe product for safety workers and consumers. The campaign comes in thewake of a politically-motivated attack against bottled water, a studyby an environmental pressure group designed to undermine confidence inthe safety of the product.

"Just last week, theEnvironmental Working Group issued a junk science 'study' suggestingbottled water contains dangerous substances and is no better than tap;yet their own data supports the opposite conclusions," said AngelaLogomasini, Ph.D., Director of Risk and Environmental Policy at CEI.

This week, bottled water companies are meeting in Las Vegas to consider the future of the industry (see: http://www.interbev.com/).

The pro-consumer campaign -- EnjoyBottledWater.org ( http://www.enjoybottledwater.org/)-- by the Competitive Enterprise Institute calls for individuals tosign a petition demanding the freedom to choose bottled water.

People most impacted by efforts to ban consumer access to bottled water include:

    --  immuno-compromised individuals following Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention recommendations to drink bottled water

--  rescue workers who need portable, sanitary water

--  sports and health enthusiasts who use bottled water to keep hydrated

--  anyone who simply enjoys convenience and portability of bottled water

"An easily accessible, calorie-freeoption for hydration is critical for an on-the-go society, particularlyfor individuals with special needs, such as the elderly, individualsengaged in sports, individuals participating in outdoor events, andindividuals on the road," said Logomasini.

The threat to consumersis real. The U.S. Conference of Mayors passed resolution last springcalling on cities to impose regulations, bans, and taxes. Chicagoimposed a bottled water tax, and several cities have banned bottledwater in government buildings. Salt Lake City has even denied bottledwater to firefighters! Some health clubs are considering forcing theirclients to drink tap water, shops are removing it from store shelves,and restaurants are taking it off their menus.

"This is just anotherexample of government regulators eroding our freedom," said Logomasini."If they succeed in banning and taxing water, what will they go afternext?"

FEATURED VIDEO: the political attack on bottled water -- click here: http://ceiondemand.org/?p=8

Read more about the attack on bottled water at enjoybottledwater.org ( http://enjoybottledwater.org/)

CEI is a non-profit, non-partisan public policy group dedicated to theprinciples of free enterprise and limited government. For moreinformation about CEI, please visit our website at www.cei.org and blog, openmarket.org.

SOURCE Competitive Enterprise Institute

 http://enjoybottledwater.org