Would increase water consumption in the general populace — diverting some usage of sugary drinks.

Health officials get to say they lead an initiative that drastically improved water drinking and drastically reduced soda drinking. Who wouldn’t that on their CV?

Long-term side-effects require longitudinal studies that can be done post facto. Give it 50 years, maybe. By then everyone who dreamt up the scheme will be already retired or dead — and no careers will ever be in jeopardy.

Sounds familiar, but it has a certain special twist to it. If anyone here decides to implement this idea, please invite me to your Nobel prize reception.