Our little company had the distinct pleasure of being invited to provide a donation of bottle-free water to the 6th Annual Santa Fe International Folk Art Market. The weather was particularly hot and people were pleasantly surprised to be offered unlimited quantities of chilled, filtered water at no cost. We also filled drink cups purchased on site.

For those who did not see the market's advertising encouraging attendees to bring their own water bottles, the market sold attractive souvenir bottles (with unlimited refills) at a nominal price. These reusable and recyclable bottles were made of EASTAR resin, which is BPA-free. The market did not allow the sale of conventional PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles. Over 2,500 gallons of water were served during the two days. Calculating the size of the average 1-liter bottle (16.9 fl. oz.), we estimate that almost 19,000 bottles were not sold and used.

Although we know that the market staff made very conscientious efforts to recycle plastic bottles at past events, the clean-up this year was much easier. The market also provided recycling stations for soft drink bottles sold on site and for attendees to recycle PET bottles they had brought with them. At the sacrifice of income from not selling bottled water, the market demonstrated its commitment to "greening" the event and to raising consciousness about bottled water quality and the carbon footprint of bottled water.

What about the water? It was very simply city water piped by sterile tubing from the nearest frost-free spigot, then chilled and carbon-filtered to remove chlorine taste and odor and chlorine byproducts. We developed a portable "water buffalo" dispenser for the event. The water quality itself got rave reviews and attendees were very surprised to learn that they were drinking water from the Sangre de Cristo Water Department system. It is all about getting rid of the chlorine, which is the single most significant and economical step consumers can take to improve the quality of water in their households, either for drinking water or for the whole house.

How "safe" was the water we served? Statistically speaking, the city water we served was safer than the commercially bottled water some people carried into the event. Good luck trying to find out the source of the water, how it was purified, and what chemical pollutants it might contain! City water is regularly tested by the New Mexico Environment Department to verify compliance with the Safe Water Drinking Act. Bottled water is regulated only by the FDA and has experienced explosive growth rates during a regulatory hiatus in which it has touted its products as clean and safe alternatives to tap water. Their compliance is minimal: a meaningless statement of nutrition facts - as if consumers are really seeking nutrition from water. There are also major issues of disclosure (or lack thereof). The single most important treatment technology bottlers employ is simply removing chlorine from the water provided by municipal systems.

There is hope. In early 2009, a California law went into effect that requires bottlers to disclose water sources, purification methods and testing results. A similar bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate last year. If you need more rationale as to why you should try to eliminate bottled water from your lifestyle, visit the websites of the nonprofit watchdog groups Food and Water Watch and the Environmental Working Group.

Stephen Wiman has a background in earth science (Ph.D. in geology) and is the owner of Good Water Company in Santa Fe. He may be reached at 505-471-9036 and skwiman@goodwatercompany.com.