Green Needham’s recently released Tap Map will guide thirsty people to sources of free public water in town. “The map lists out all available water fountain and bottle filling stations throughout Needham,” said Kathy Raiz, who co-chairs Green Needham’s plastic reductions team.
The information provided on the map will make it easier to avoid single-use plastic water bottles. “The goal is to have an easy place to refill,” Raiz said.
Needham DPW tests the water regularly for more than 100 potential contaminants and publishes the results of the drinking water quality annually. According to the Green Needham website, public water is 100 times cheaper than bottled water.
“A lot of people have a false idea that tap water in Needham isn’t great, and that drives people to purchase plastic water bottles, ” Raiz said. In fact, the town has an abundant supply of clean drinking water.
Raiz said evidence is stacking up to demonstrate the dangers of nanoplastics in our bodies and in the environment.
In addition to the plastics that have leached into water during bottling or delivery, even opening a bottle could add to the risks. “Because the plastic is brittle, when you unscrew the cap, additional plastics fall into the water,” Raiz said.
The Tap Map shows the locations of water stations in public buildings and parks, but Raiz hopes retailers will open their spigots to the public. “We are encouraging local retailers who have fountains or bottle fillers to voluntarily add themselves to the map,” Raiz said. “It will increase foot traffic into their stores.”
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