Community & Labour Action

Canada: Region's proposed bottled water ban sent back to staff for further study

The Record. By Frances Barreck -

The sale and use of bottled water at Waterloo regional facilities and functions may soon be a thing of the past.

While most regional councillors support a ban, yesterday they deferred the issue to staff for more information before turning the tap off on bottled water.

"I think it (a ban) is a good step forward and it shows that our (tap) water is good water and safe water and water you should drink," said Coun. Jane Mitchell of Waterloo, who raised the issue last week.

Mitchell said there are huge economic and environmental costs associated with bottled water.

It takes seven times the amount of water inside the bottle to create the same bottle, she said.

About 150,000 empty water bottles end up at the regional landfill site every day, added Coun. Tom Galloway of Kitchener.

Coun. Jim Wideman of Kitchener said he's concerned only pop in cans would be available if bottled water was banned.

"I don't see the merits of banning the sale of the most healthy liquid that exists," Wideman said.

Coun. Jane Brewer of Cambridge said a ban should also include a campaign to educate people on how safe tap water is in the region.

One of the issues councillors said needs further study is how to stop community groups using regional facilities from bringing bottled water.

Only water in pitchers is available at council meetings and at the cafeteria at the regional government office at 150 Frederick St. in Kitchener.

Bottled water is sold at 99 Regina St. in Waterloo where the regional public health unit and social service department are housed.

The proposed ban would not include regional employees who choose to bring bottled water to work.

Last week, the public school board took the lead on this issue and voted to stop buying and selling bottled water in schools by September 2009.

fbarrick@therecord.com