Activists push to ban state buying bottled water

BOSTON (AP) -- Environmental and public health activists are pushing a bill on Beacon Hill that would phase out the state's purchase of bottled water and encourage the use of tap water by state agencies and at state-sponsored events.

Activists said the change could save the state millions in taxpayer dollars.

They also say increased reliance on bottled water can undermine political support to maintain critical public water systems.

The push to wean the state off bottled water comes weeks after a ban in Concord on the sale of single-serving plastic water bottles took effect.

Activists there said a return to tap water would cut down on plastic waste and reduce the use of the fossil fuels used to make the bottles.