News

US Park Service Rolls Back Bottled-Water Bans

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- The International Bottled Water Association reports that the U.S. National Park Service has rescinded a policy that had allowed individual national parks to ban the sale of bottled water in single-serving plastic containers. "The International Bottled Water Association applauds this action, which recognizes the importance of making safe, healthy, convenient bottled water available to the millions of people from around the world who want to stay well-hydrated while visiting national park...

August 20, 2017

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- The International Bottled Water Association reports that the U.S. National Park Service has rescinded a policy that had allowed individual national parks to ban the sale of bottled water in single-serving plastic containers.

"The International Bottled Water Association applauds this action, which recognizes the importance of making safe, healthy, convenient bottled water available to the millions of people from around the world who want to stay well-hydrated while visiting national parks," said IBWA vice-president of communications Jill Culora. "Consumption of water in all forms -- tap, filtered and bottled -- should always be encouraged."

In its press release announcing the policy shift, NPS said: "The 2011 policy, which encouraged national parks to eliminate the sale of disposable water bottles, has been rescinded to expand hydration options for recreationalists, hikers and other visitors to national parks. The ban removed the healthiest beverage choice at a variety of parks while still allowing sales of bottled sweetened drinks."

IBWA reported that, over the past six years, more than 20 national parks had forbidden the sale of bottled water under the now-rescinded policy. Research shows that 92% of Americans feel that bottled water should be available wherever other beverages are sold, the association added.