Athletes will not be the only ones facing fierce competition during the Games — so will those waging the battle over water.
A new campaign spearheaded by Metro Vancouver’s water committee, which is chaired by city Coun. Tim Stevenson, will see the committee rally against the consumption of bottled water throughout the city.
“It’s a broader campaign than just the Olympics,” said Stevenson. “It’s about our new water-filtration plant. But we are asking hotels and restaurants to push our tap water to those visiting from around the world during the Games.”
The water-filtration plant in question, the $650-million Capilano-Seymour Reservoir, will have water flowing in early January in time for those visiting for the Olympics.
“We want visitors from other countries who may not drink the tap water in their homes to exercise that option when they are here. Because of our new facility, Vancouver will have the finest tap water you can get.”
Spokespersons for Coca-Cola, a major sponsor of the 2010 Games and owner of the Dasani line of bottled water, said their company is comfortable with the campaign.
“Bottled water is not promoted by Coca-Cola to compete with tap water,” said spokesperson Kristy Payne. “If one consumer chooses tap water over bottled water, then another will choose the convenience of bottled water.”
