Watch Tapped

Tapped is a hard-hitting documentary from 2009, directed by Stephanie Soechtig, that exposes the devastating impact of the bottled water industry on people's health and the environment. The film takes the viewer on a journey across the United States, revealing how the bottled water industry has managed to convince us that tap water is not safe to drink, while promoting their product as a healthier, more convenient alternative.

The movie begins by outlining the colossal growth of the bottled water industry, which has become a $100 billion global business. The film asserts that despite the environmental cost of producing, transporting and disposing of millions of plastic water bottles every day, the industry is allowed to extract and sell water virtually for free. The documentary asserts that this has led to the commodification of a basic human need, resulting in an ethical dilemma.

Through interviews with experts, activists and ordinary people who have been affected by the bottled water industry, the film explores the extent of the problem. We hear from Dr. Peter Gleick, president of the Pacific Institute for Studies in Development, Environment, and Security, who points out that bottled water is often no safer than tap water and that some bottled water brands contain chemical contaminants that exceed regulatory limits. We also hear from environmental activist and author Maude Barlow, who describes how the industry is affecting the availability of safe, clean water for people around the world.

The film also highlights the environmental costs of the industry. We see images of plastic bottles littering the landscape and polluting oceans, harming wildlife and affecting human health. We also see how bottled water production extracts vital groundwater resources from drought-stricken regions, leading to conflict between local communities and the industry.

Tapped also exposes the tactics used by the bottled water industry to convince people that their product is superior to tap water. Through clever marketing and lobbying tactics, the industry has managed to convince many consumers that bottled water is healthier, tastier and more convenient than tap water. The film argues that this strategy is a classic case of deceptive advertising and leads to a culture of environmental apathy.

One of the highlights of the film is the contrast it draws between the bottled water industry and the growing movement for tap water advocacy. We hear from progressive politicians such as Congressman Earl Blumenauer, who is leading the charge for clean, safe and affordable tap water for all Americans. We also learn about the examples of cities like San Francisco and New York, which are investing in public drinking fountains and water bottle refill stations to encourage people to use tap water.

Overall, Tapped is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that exposes the bottled water industry for what it is: a major contributor to environmental degradation and social injustice. The film encourages all of us to rethink our relationship with water and to take responsibility for safeguarding this vital resource for future generations.

Tapped is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.