In Paris, public fountain serves up sparkling water

The French are among the world’s top consumers of bottled water, taking in an average of 128 litres each in 2009, according to a recent report on Reuters. Presumably with the resulting 262,000 tonnes of plastic waste in mind, Eau de Paris — the city’s public water company — recently set up a new water fountain that dispenses sparkling water. Located in Jardin de Reuilly, a park in eastern Paris, the new fountain injects city tap water with carbon dioxide and then chills it to a pleasing temperature. Underground springs feed the city half of its public water, while the other half is pumped and treated from the rivers Seine and Marne. At the new fountain — which is modeled after similar ones in Italy, the agency says — consumers can now get both still and bubbly versions. “Our aim is to boost the image of Paris tap water,” Philippe Burguiere, spokesman for Eau de Paris, told Reuters. “We want to show that we’re proud of it, that it’s totally safe, and that it’s ecological as there’s no oil involved, no waste and no packaging.” Cities can run recycling programs until they’re blue in the proverbial face, but it would be hard for such efforts to beat a program that virtually eliminates the need for all those plastic bottles in the first place. Other cities around the globe: be inspired! (Related: Water-bottle refills at cafés, now with a charitable twist — Water bottle’s plunger-style filter purifies instantly — Water bottle with integrated filter purifies as you drink — Reusable water bottle flattens & folds when empty.) Spotted by Ana Camargo