REVIVING THE NATION'S PUBLIC WATER UTILITIES TO REDUCE PLASTIC POLLUTION IN THE UNITED STATES

Water utilities play a role in reducing plastic waste. However, infrastructure improvements alone are not likely to reduce bottled water consumption if the public perceives a risk in drinking tap. Therefore, researchers, regulators, and distributors must evaluate why consumers elect bottled water over a municipal source. Public water utilities are an essential service that are bound by many legislative constraints, and they face many unique challenges that bottled water distributors do not. Such constraints include water quality standards that are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In contrast, bottled water companies are monitored by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A unique challenge for water utilities is that they have a powerful commercial competitor in the water market. Municipalities must consider strategies that will bolster public relations and outreach in addition to improving taste. Several reports reveal the cost of water distribution, reasons consumers choose bottled water, the effects of plastic waste on the environment, and possible strategies to increase public use of tap water. Many possible combinations of solutions have been evaluated. Such strategies include increased legislative oversight, infrastructure improvements, monitoring stations, district metered areas, Government Performance and Results Act compliance, public outreach campaigns and offering additional services. A holistic look at public water distribution improvements can make a significant impact on revenue and plastic waste reduction.