Jaye- I think the "corporate shield" is the most abused legal fiction in history. I support the idea for the "Mom and Pop" corps where even a simple harassment suit could ruin them, but "Megacorp" is another matter entirely where a soulless creature can decide the fates of entire countries. There was a time that the idea of a corporation having the rights as an individual would have you judged insane. There is a timeline at
http://www.ratical.org/corporations/ToPRaP.html that is very interesting.
TenaLouise- I am blessed with a most excellent well sunk deep into limestone far from both industry and agriculture. I had it tested some years ago for over 275 different contaminants. The only thing they could find was that it was a bit "hard" due to the limestone. If I ever move I am going to take the well with me.