U.S. Mayors Call for Investigation Into Water Bottling Costs

The U.S. Conference of Mayors is calling for an investigation into the cost of water bottling to American cities.
U.S. Mayors Call for Investigation Into Water Bottling Costs
6/18/2009
Updated:
6/18/2009
The U.S. Conference of Mayors is calling for an investigation into the cost of water bottling to American cities.

An estimated 40 percent of bottled water is derived from municipal sources and water bottling companies, which often buy in bulk, are often given discounts even in times of drought.

These companies also create unknown costs to taxpayers, including the costs of disposing and recycling plastic bottles, and infrastructure for the upkeep of equipment.

This initiative is followed by the passing of a resolution designed to ensure equitable use of municipal water.

“To jumpstart the economy and to meet the most basic needs of people in cities across the U.S., we need to make sure the resource is being managed in a way that is equitable and puts essential public needs first,” said Kristin Urquiza, director of Corporate Accountability International’s Think Outside the Bottle Campaign, in a press release.

Although both bottled and public water come from the same source, the bottled water market is thriving, while support for public water is low.

Since 2008, over 60 cities have cut bottled water spending. Hundreds of mayors nationwide voted to discourage water purchasing in their cities.

Illinois and Virginia are moving towards bringing an end to bottled water spending, while New York state is cutting its spending altogether.