[padobson]

Yet companies build plants on the Great Lakes, hoover up all the water, filter it, bottle it, and sell it to the unsuspecting

I can't speak for every state, but here in Michigan (The Great Lakes state!), companies like Nestle have to apply for a license that subjects them to regular inspections to make sure they're not over-burdening the local groundwater supply. They pump from wells on their own private land using their own facilities. Their license fee is pretty cheap, something like $300USD.

This seems like a common-sense regulation that doesn't overly burden either the company or the regulator.

I buy Ice Mountain spring water with a clear conscience.

[sitkack]

The aquifers they pump from definitely reach beyond their land. Your con-science shouldn't be so easily manipulated.