As a child, I cannot count how many times I would drink from the garden hose or the outdoor faucet. I survived. It never even made me sick.
Can you please explain to me why so many people in Prince George insist on purchasing water in plastic bottles and not drinking it from the tap? Water is always my first choice for a beverage right when I get up in the morning, even before my coffee at Caf Voltaire and continuously throughout my day.
Many years ago, Dr. Lorna Medd, who was the health officer at the time, gave me some great advice about our tap water. She told me that our water was very good and there was no need to waste money on bottled water. I listened to my friend and followed her advice. Prince George water is even better now since the fluoride has been taken out. I absolutely love our water. We are privileged to not have to purchase bottle water in Prince George.
The consumer is often led to believe that bottle water is purer more pristine than tap water when in fact 25 per cent of the bottled water is glorified municipal tap water. There are some companies that tout pure spring natural water but keep in mind they are not required to put on the label where the water comes from.
Let's talk the almighty dollar.
It doesn't take a math wiz to figure out the economics in bottled water.
With such sexy packaging and names that come with a price. Looking at one of the cheapest brand is going to cost you based on the recommended minimum amount of water per day per person is two litres per day or about $1,400 per year minimum. I do not consider myself be at all penurious but I can find much better ways to spend money foolishly.
The plastic component is another major big issue.
Next time you hold that water bottle, picture one-quarter of it filled with oil because that is how much fossil fuel went into the production. Plastic water bottles are completely recyclable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) which breaks into smaller pieces over time. Guess where much of that ends up?
Much contaminates our soil and pollutes the waterways. Ten per cent of the pieces end up in the ocean. Our marine life is very threatened by this crap often becoming entangled in plastic. Many of these majestic creatures end up eating this garbage. The fish that you eat just may have ingested some of those particles. This is all very bad, unhealthy and unnecessary for all. Seventy per cent of all the plastic in the oceans come from four countries.
Not every city has good tap water and other considerations must be taken like a good filter. Prince George is in a unique situation with very good water. How lucky is that in this city especially when you look at places like Ethiopia where water is a gift that we often take for granted.
Save those dollars spent wasted on bottle water and perhaps donate to a Rotary water project. It's hot out go enjoy a nice cool glass of some wonderful water. If it makes you feel better buy a filter. It really isn't necessary.
