A ban on bottled water?

- March 25, 2009

The University of Winnipeg has become the first university in Canada to announce it is banning the sale of bottled water from its campus.

The university made the announcement following a student referendum last week, where nearly 75 per cent of students supported the ban.

"We're very proud of the fact that they're showing such generational leadership," said U of W president Lloyd Axworthy. "We're very pleased to associate ourselves with this decision."

The plan is to cease sales of bottled water in vending machines and cafeterias across the campus by the time the fall session begins in September. In the meantime, the university will conduct an audit of its potable water system to ensure all tap and fountain water is safe, clean and not distasteful or discoloured, and that there are enough fountains, taps and refill stations to meet the demand.

What do you think about the action taken at the University of Winnipeg? Would you support a similar move at Dalhousie? Join the discussion.