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I'm a resident of Portland, Oregon, a nursing student at Portland Community College.  It is with no shortage of pride that our water from Mount Hood's Bull Run Watershed is among the finest in the world.  Despite some conflict with the EPA about open-air reservoirs and some past scares, I whole heartedly rejoice at this vital community resource. 

I get my water from the tap and try to use glass bottles throughout my day.  I have considered how the pipes of my residence might affect the water, or if plastic containers, typically polyethylene or PET, might expose me to certain undesired toxins, but I’d have to say that for me the real concern is about the wasteful nature of bottled water.  Most bottled water is minimally altered municipal water from a tap itself--unless imported.  When you consider the environmental cost of shipping that water, compounded by the manufacturer and disposal of plastic bottles--even if they are recycled--it just seems a shocking display of disregard for our environment.  Our watersheds are still relatively healthy and intact in the Pacific Northwest, and many Oregonians and Washingtonians enjoy water from healthy watersheds.  I think as responsible and respectful citizens we should appreciate what we have and strive to take care of it.  Besides, it’s much cheaper to get safe quality drinking water straight from the tap.

While an outright ban of bottled water might be extreme, I’d like to tax them (along with soda and other bottled single-serve beverages) and ensure that a deposit is in place to ensure their recycling. 

I also believe that our tap water is a community resource that shouldn’t be privatized.  In Portland, the head of the water bureau is a member of the city council and answerable to voters.  I’m alarmed by the trends of privatization I see in other countries—particularly South America.  Here in Portland at least, we enjoy great water for pennies a gallon. 

--Jonathan Causey

posted 3 years, 1 month ago
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