Why did you listen?

[Rebecca Pottratz <pottrr@dnr.state.wi.us>]

I am mainly participating as an observer, however I must respond to Andrea's tongue and cheek comment on purchasing bottled water - made me smile.

Was it your perception of the local media that kept you from listening to the "boil water" notices, etc... or was it the fact that the media didn't clearly state the issue at hand? (IE: What was meant by "contaminated" & why you should care.) OR Was it more your relationship (IE: Level of respect) with the person who talked to you directly that caused you to change your behavior? Just curious. 

FYI - Most bottled water is not required to meet drinking water standards... it is sold as a "food item"... and we could talk all day about the contents in a snack cake. The real issue is,(and I think what you were getting at) how do we make people aware of little known facts like this? - which can be great "conversation starters." And how can we best make a useful guidance document on the national level, that leaves room for highly individualized methods & tools.