A Viable Alternative to Bottled Water

San Francisco has proposed requiring new water fountains to include a special bottle-filling tap. Proponents believe that this is the first step in weaning people off of the habit of grabbing a new bottle of water every time they get thirsty.

This new tap aims to solve problems associated with traditional water fountains, like not being so friendly to reusable water bottles because of their low arc. Also, the fears of germs from the spout (which experts believe are unfounded) have deterred some from using them as well.

Concord Bans Plastic Water Bottles

Concord's Ban on Plastic Water Bottles went into effect with the New Year. 

On or after Jan. 1, 2013, businesses in Concord will be prohibited from selling non-sparkling, unflavored drinking water in single-serving polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles of 1 liter (34 ounces) or less. The bylaw provides an exemption for emergencies and allows the ban to be lifted by the town if an emergency is officially declared. Businesses in town will still be able to sell non-sparkling water in plastic bottles that are larger than one liter.

The Town of Concord received notice from the Massachusetts Office of Attorney General Martha Coakley that the office has approved the ban of single-serving plastic water bottles in Concord under this year's Town Meeting Article 32, making Concord the first town in the country to implement such a ban.

Should other towns follow suit? 

[Boston Globe] [Wicked Local]