A new study published in the US says that bottled water
consumption has more than doubled globally in the last six years
and is heavily taxing the world's ecosystem.  Emily Arnold, the
author of the report published by the Washington-based
environmental group the Earth Policy Institute, says bottled
water can cost 10,000 times more than tap water despite often
being no healthier.   The study says that at as much as $2.50
per litre, bottled water actually costs more than petrol.
Thristy Italians  It added that the US was the largest consumer
of bottled water, with Americans drinking 26 billion litres in
2004. Mexico came in second at 18 billion litres followed by
China and Brazil at 12 billion each.  Working up a thirst Top 10
bottled water consumers in 2004 (billion litres)  1. United
States 25.8 2. Mexico          17.7 3. China            11.9 4.
Brazil            11.6 5. Italy              10.7 6.
Germany       10.3 7. France           8.5 8. Indonesia      7.4
9. Spain            5.5 10. India           5