> That stuff is probably more or less tap water

Is that bad? People buy bottled water for the convenience, and because it's filtered tap water which tastes better than regular tap water.

If you want to reduce bottled water purchases you should advocate for a law requiring water fountains to have carbon filters for taste. (Although I kinda like knowing there is chlorine in there when I drink from one.)

Bottled water is dirt cheap in the US.

I pay $4-$5 for 24 to 32 packs for Deer Park Water, which isn't tap water (but is owned by Nestle). $0.16 per bottle for spring water is incredibly cheap.