Legislative Action

Region tackles bottled versus tap water debate Region tackles bottled versus tap water debate: Brampton Guardian

Tuesday April 21 2009
By PETER CRISCIONE

Peel Region has joined ranks with others municipalities attempting to curb the use of plastic water bottles in municipal buildings and at events.
Region staff recently argued its case in favour of adopting a "no plastic water bottle policy" for Peel.

Municipalities across the continent, including several in Ontario, have taken action to cut down on plastic bottles, and promote the benefits of drinking tap water instead.

This has prompted Peel Region to review its position on the matter and come up with a clear policy.

"The environmental burden caused by the production, use and disposal of plastics from water bottles is significant and largely unnecessary," stated a set of recommendations issued to region councillors recently.

Since 1999, Peel has supplied more than 350,000 bottles of "Purely Peel" water to community events and public meetings.

The Purely Peel initiative uses bottled municipal water as a "communication tactic" to promote the quality and cost benefits of the municipal drinking supply over commercially produced bottled water.

However, while the program has somewhat achieved its goals, region staff argued the program communicates "a conflicting message on the use of disposable plastic bottles."

As a result, environment and health department officials have asked Peel politicians to consider no longer providing bottled water at any region-related function.

Only in cases where there is a disruption of the municipal water supply (like in an emergency or where municipal tap water isn't available) would Peel provide bottled water, the document noted.

"The Region of Peel needs to change its approach in promoting municipally treated tap water," the report stated. "In doing so, Peel will be more supportive of waste reduction initiatives and environmental protection."

The report highlighted environmental and health concerns associated with bottled water.

With respect to the former, energy used to produce, transport and recycle water bottles increases greenhouse gases.

And while plastic bottles are largely recyclable, many bottles still don't make their way into the correct waste streams.

In terms of health, region staff argued bottled water is not regulated and tested to the same standards as municipal drinking water systems in Ontario.

Municipal tap water must meet the stringent regulatory requirements set out by Ontario's Safe Drinking Water Act, a process commercially produced bottled water isn't required to go through, the report said.

Peel Health recently surveyed Peel residents about children's health and environmental issues. Thirty eight per cent of parents or caregivers responded that they served bottled water most often to their children.

Only 20 per cent of respondents said they served tap water directly, with the remaining 35 per cent using some form of filtration system.

Region councillors have endorsed the set of recommendations and are expected to vote on the matter this Thursday.