We humans love water. According to United Nations estimates, we currently take 54 percent of the planet’s available freshwater and our share will rise to 90 percent in 25 years, if current trends continue. In America, water is the second-most popular beverage after soda, according to P.O.V.’s report “Bottle This.” But, contrary to popular belief, water is limited. Not only are we using more of the planet’s water than our share, but Americans alone spend around $7.7 billion dollars a year on bottled water, and bottling and shipping water is the least-efficient method of water delivery ever invented, according to P.O.V.
So, what are we to do–particularly in areas where tap water is unsafe? An NRDC study reported on the drinking water of 19 cities and found that pollution, old pipes and outdated treatment threaten tap water quality.
Water in NYC
P.O.V.’s “Thirst” reveals how water is becoming the catalyst for explosive community responses to the management of this precious resource. At the Park Slope Food Co-Op in New York last month, the organization decided to end the sale of bottled water, The New York Times reported. But, the cost of New York City tap water, one of the city’s prized possessions, is going up and the city is now considering a 14 percent rate increase for next year.
Water in CA
In response to Southern California’s dwindling water supply, several California cities are trying out new water reclamation projects that turn wastewater (yes, that’s your toilet water) into drinking water, according to a NewsHour report from February 2008.
While it’s clear that we need to start using water more efficiently, there’s plenty of room for some discussion about “our second-favorite drink.” Where do you stand bottle vs. tap water?
Arthur C Says:
For years, NYC was known for the quality of it’s tap water. The conventional wisdom says this quality has declined in recent decades. We need to maintain our city’s water infrastructure to protect ourselves from the environmental scourge that is bottled water.