I am not sure what changed. The service can be grounded anywhere from the service point to the bus bar in the service disconnect enclosure. It is grounded (or bonded) pretty much like it always was. The only reason we distinguish between grounds and bonds is to describe the intent of the connections. The electrons don't know the difference. You have always been using the water utility as your best connection to the utility neutral. We just can't say that. It is like saying my swimming pool is my best grounding electrode. (I don't have utility water)
It doesn't sound right to say that but it is still a fact.
