Even though Saluda Natural Spring Water may seem expensive, drinking it instead tap water is a wise investment in good health.

Argument:

Laboratory studies show that Saluda Natural Spring Water contains several of the minerals necessary for good health and that it is completely free of bacteria.  Residents of Saluda, the small town where the water is bottled, are hospitalized less frequently than the national average.  Even though Saluda Natural Spring Water may seem expensive, drinking it instead tap water is a wise investment in good health. 

Question:

Discuss how well reasoned you find this argument. In your discussion be sure to analyze the line of reasoning and use the evidence in the argument. For example, you may need to consider what questionable assumptions underlie the thinking and what alternative explanations or counterexamples might weaken the conclusion. You can also discuss what sort of evidence would strengthen or refuse the argument, what changes in the argument would make it more logically sound, and what, if anything, would help you better evaluate its conclusion. 

Answer:

The argument states that Saluda Natural Spring Water is a wise investment in good health while it may cost more than other types of water.  This statement is based on three premises that are several minerals contained, no parasitic bacteria, and lower rate of hospitalized among residents of Saluda.  However, some flaws found in those assumptions lessen credibility of the statement.  

The first issue to be addressed is that Saluda Natural Spring Water contains minerals necessary for a healthy life.  To become convincing, it must be explained what kinds of minerals are contained, and comparison of ingredient between Saluda Natural Spring Water and other type of water, including tap water.  For example, there may be some minerals that do not have any effect for good health in the water.  Or, people could find other bottled water that contains only one kind of mineral that is very effective.  There is no scientific objective proof showing why the water is good for health.  

The author also argues that Saluda Natural Spring Water is free of bacteria.  While bacteria seems harmful to human body, some of them are essential to maintain healthy body.  Bowel usually has hundreds kinds of bacteria that work for digestion.  Foods or drink must bring inside some bacteria that cannot be produced without them.  Water without bacteria cannot always be mentioned as benefit for good health.  

Finally, there is not enough explanation about lower rate of hospitalization.  To get less hospitalized, not only drinking mineralized water is effective but also some other factors contribute.  For example, residents of Saluda may have custom of regular exercise such as walking or jogging.  Another possible cause could be diet.  If people in Saluda are vegetarians, hospital should not be as busy as those in other areas where people often eat stakes.  

While it may seem true that Saluda Natural Spring Water is good for health, several flaws among inappropriate assumptions make it less convincing.  The author must show clearer explanation about minerals contained in Saluda Natural Spring Water, effects of bacteria, and other factors contributing to less hospitalization rate.  Before any conclusion is made, every possible factor must be considered.