This article is from the Blue Planet Run Foundation, an organization that I help promote with my blog. (See their page “Blogs Featuring Our Cause.”)

San Francisco, CA – Dec. 16, 2009 – San Francisco Environment and San Francisco Public Utilities Commission officials presided today over the launch of GLOBALTAP, a new and innovative alternative to bottled water, with the introduction of the first drinking water “filling station” at Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco.

Unlike traditional water fountains, GLOBALTAP provides an innovative system for people to fill reusable bottles with water in high visibility public areas.

The pilot installation at Yerba Buena Plaza will lead to the rollout of additional units throughout the city of San Francisco in 2010. Ultimately, GLOBALTAP plans to extend its reach on a global scale, from the United States and Europe to Africa, Asia, and South America, donating tap stations to cities and villages in second and third world countries. GLOBALTAP will not only be in places where clean water is more available but also where water it is not readily available.

“San Francisco has been a leader in educating people about the negative impacts of bottled water,” said Jared Blumenfeld Director of San Francisco Environment. “Today we are honored to be the first U.S. city to host a GLOBALTAP filling station. Now San Franciscans can ‘BYOB’ (‘Bring Your Own Bottle’) every day.”

“I support Mayor Newsom’s efforts to make San Francisco a model for green initiatives such as the GLOBALTAP Pilot Project,” says Fred Blackwell of the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency, property owner of Yerba Buena Gardens.

“San Francisco has the best tap water in the world,” said Laura Spanjian, SFPUC Assistant General Manager for External Affairs. “Our partnership with GLOBALTAP will make it easier for everyone to enjoy our great-tasting Hetch Hetchy tap water and reduce waste from all those plastic bottles.”

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