If I want still water I am always happy to specify that tap water is OK.

If I want fizzy water at a fancy restaurant I ask for sparkling water and know they'll bring a bottle of Pellegrino or whatever. If I want fizzy water at a nonfancy restaurant, I ask for club soda with lime.

I'm not sure what OP's beef is...it seems to be that restaurants would dare charge for bottled water (which they have to pay for too). If I'm at a fancy restaurant I don't worry about the $10 or whatever outrageous price they charge for a bottle of water. I'm spending many times that on the food!