Pass a ban on bottled water

A recent article said the Cape Girardeau water rate was $2.12 for 100 cubic feet of water. One hundred cubic feet of water represents about 700 gallons. The cost of water figures out to be three-tenths of a cent for one gallon of water. This water is treated, tested and certified safe. It is delivered inside our homes 24 hours a day, and we are billed only for what we use.

Compare this to a woman who lives in an African village recently featured in National Geographic magazine. This woman had to walk four to five miles a day to a polluted water source and then walk home carrying about 5 gallons (40 pounds) of water. This was the only source of water for her family, and she did this every day.

Also compare the cost of city water to the cost of bottled water. Then add in the cost to the environment and resources to manufacture the plastic bottle, ship it to the bottling plant, fill it with water and ship it to a retail outlet. Too often the empty bottle ends up on a highway or in a landfill.

If we are serious about protecting our environment and conserving resources, one of the easiest ways to start is to pass a ban on bottled water. We live in a great community with resources never dreamed of in much of the world. The next time you see a penny on the ground, pick it up, apply it to your water bill and buy three gallons of water.

RALPH C. MAXTON, Cape Girardeau