Fountains reviewed for recreation facilities

 Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: May 15, 2011AM
It may eventually become difficult to buy bottled water at Wesbild Centre or the swimming pool.  The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee will investigate installing and maintaining water fountains after the City of Vernon suggested that plastic water bottles not be available at recreation facilities.  “We want to encourage the use of our tap water,” said chairperson Wayne Lippert, adding that the focus may be on bottled water in vending machines.  “We have spent millions of dollars on a new treatment plant. We should be encouraging people to use it.”  The city is discontinuing the use of plastic water bottles in its facilities, and similar action occurs in Greater Vernon schools.  “Kids bring refillable bottles and refill them at sinks,” said director Jim Garlick, who is a teacher.  But Garlick believes restricting access to plastic bottles will only be successful if fountains are available and they are maintained.  “People don’t want  to use dirty fountains,” he said.  GVAC will also determine whether the provincial or federal governments should get involved in the issue from an environmental perspective.  “They control the production of bottles,” said director Gyula Kiss.  “The overwhelming majority of bottles end up in the landfill and pollute the environment.”  Not everyone welcomes the direction GVAC may take.“There are people making a living from selling bottles of water,” said director Mike Gavinchuk.  “Why should we dictate to people how they drink water?”