Grand Rapids moves to ‘Take Back the Tap’

Bottled water is more expensive than tap water, is subject to less stringent safety checks, and involves energy intensive packaging and shipping. For these reasons, The Grand Rapids Press reports, the city of Grand Rapids plans to adopt a resolution ending the purchase and distribution of bottled water at city events.

New York City, San Francisco and Portland, Maine, have also taken steps to reduce use of bottled water, according to the group Food and Water Watch.

From the GR Press:

Noting Grand Rapids’ status as the first city in the world to fluoridate its water, city officials hope to be the first municipality to embrace the movement in Michigan.

The city will still distribute bottled water for emergencies and water outages, but Water Department Director Joellen Thompson said they are exploring alternatives such as biodegradable water boxes and filling stations at which customers can refill their own containers.

At a Capitol Hill hearing in July Democratic Representative Bart Stupak of Menominee pointed out that bottled water companies are not required to use certified labs to test water for contaminants and are not required to notify the public when contaminants are found. Stupak asked ten bottled water companies to
share details of their safety practices.

In addition to health and environmental concerns, Stupak and others have warned that bottled water threatens to establish a precedent for the privatization of a crucial public resource.

Last year the Great Lakes states approved a regional water compact intended to protect the Great Lakes by limiting out of basin transfer of water. The law, however, allows for unlimited export of water that is packaged in small containers.