The bill co−sponsored by City Councilman Eric Gioia (D−Sunnyside) that was reported on Dec. 4 (“Ban city bottled water use to save money: Gioia bill,” Whitestone Times) is nothing but a thinly veiled attempt on the city’s part to cut costs and try to come out smelling like a rose for doing so.
Not purchasing bottled water is not going to stop city employees from bringing it to work and disposing of it there. The simple reason is that bottled water is not a “fad,” as referred to by Gioia. While city tap is top−rated — it is not the water that is the concern — it is the pipes that carry it in these ancient city buildings. And water fountains are nothing but a breading ground for bacteria.
Certifying that every single building where a city agency operates has tap water safe to drink and free of metals and other cancer−causing agents is a lot more expensive than buying bottled water and allowing the option. Who is going to pay for all the lawsuits in 20 years when people get sick and sue because Gioia called it a fad and had it banned?
If the city needs to save money, call it what it is, but do not try to look like a hero for saving the environment.
Dina Ingram
Whitestone
