CONCORD, MASSACHUSETTS (WITI) -- Bottled water used to be cool -- signaling a concern about health and avoiding things like coffee and soda. Now, the bottled water backlash is growing.
Citizens in Concord, Massachusetts are revolting against bottled water. It is now illegal to sell a personal-sized bottled of water here.
Opponents are fighting for a repeal of the ban, and environmental groups hope others follow Concord's lead.
A group called Food and Water Watch says: "Bottled water wastes fossil fuels in production and transport. Rather than being recycled, about 75% of the empty plastic bottled end up in our landfills, lakes, streams and oceans, where they may never fully decompose."
Bottled water companies say their product uses fewer plastics and energy than other bottled drinks, and call the ban a ridiculous curb on consumer choice.
Nestle Waters claimed nearly four billion in net sales last year, adding nearly a million household customers. The company says their Concord customers will get their bottled water, they'll just have to drive out of town to do so.
They also point out a country with alarming obesity rates should encourage water consumption over sugar-filled soft drinks.
Environmentalists say governments should promote drinking water from a tap.
From here, environmentalists are trying to spread the ban to other towns and national parks. Efforts continue on college campuses, where nearly two dozen schools already have some level of bottled water ban.
Meanwhile, in Concord, some citizens are pushing back. Later this month, they'll vote again on bottled water. This time, to repeal the ban.