New York City promotes tap water

By Jane Peel
BBC News, New York

New Yorkers are being urged to drink tap water by the glass

The City of New York is trying to persuade its people to give up bottled drinks and consume tap water instead to help protect the environment.

It has launched an advertising campaign to promote the cause, with local restaurants encouraged to join in.

City officials say their campaign will save people money, and reduce waste.

According to environmental groups, four out of five plastic water bottles end up on landfill sites and the production process contributes to global warming.

The distribution process sometimes involves shipping water halfway around the world.

New Yorkers, who are coping with a summer heatwave, are divided on the merits of the campaign.

Already restaurants in California have begun to serve only tap water and some in New York are looking to follow suit.

But the Bottled Water Association says it is unfair to single out an industry that is promoting recycling and introducing biodegradable packaging.