Bottled water exported out of the Great Lakes is not "just another use" of water...
Wisconsin's economic growth will be determined in part by its vast water resources. But if we export our waters a bottle at a time, we may be simultaneously exporting future water- dependent jobs and diminishing our manufacturing base.
Bottled water, unlike other products that use water such as paper manufacturing, is not just another way to capitalize on our water wealth. For Neenah Springs and Aquafina, water is the product. But for the vast majority of Wisconsin's manufacturing jobs, water is one ingredient incorporated into a final product.
The difference might appear subtle and legalistic, but it could be the difference between exporting jobs and environmental protections and building thriving communities around the Great Lakes.
Bottled water is the most familiar form of privatizing and exporting water in bulk. We think bottled water is innocuous because we see it everywhere. But ask people if they want to see a pipeline built, or tanker trucks lined up, to ship water to Arizona to keep golf courses green, and you'll get an angry "no" in response.
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/column/other/index.php?ntid=92554&ntpid=1
Posted by Dave at July 29, 2006 11:56 AM