Bottled water outlawed in New York state agencies

Public sector offices in New York are to be banned from using bottled water, the state’s Governor said this week.

Governor David A. Paterson said the ban will save taxpayers’ money as well as benefitting the environment.

Both small bottles and large containers used by water coolers will be covered by the ban.

State agencies have been given six months to phase out their use of bottled water and install tap water fountains and dispensers.

“Taxpayers have spent billions of dollars to ensure that we have clean drinking water supplies,” Paterson said.

“If we are going to make such significant investments, we should reap the benefits and use that water.”

Environmentalists welcomed the ban, pointing out that not only does bottled water waste plastic, but that 450 million gallons of oil are used to transport bottled water.

Kelle Louaillier, executive director of Corporate Accountability International, said: “Governor Paterson’s announcement acknowledges that states send the wrong message when they promote and fund public tap water on the one hand and purchase bottled water on the other.”

New York is the second US state to phase out bottled water use in the public sector, following the lead of Illinois.

Many public bodies in Canada have already banned bottle water.