BlueW Comes to Guelph

You might think that it’s easy to avoid purchasing drinks in disposable containers: grab a glass from the kitchen cabinet and fill it from the tap. But what about when you’re away from your home or office? We’re taking local cafes and drinking water access points and pulling them together into a network that lets people who want water connect with people willing to provide it.

The Wellington Water Watchers are excited to be able to bring The BlueW Network to Guelph. Wellington Water Watchers Executive Director, Arlene Slocombe describes how The BlueW Network will benefit Guelph:

Blue W water bottle refilling network was founded as a not-for-profit organization in 2009 to give Canadians free access to clean, healthy tap water on-the-go. Business owners register with us to provide tap water to those who carry a reusable bottle without the obligation to make additional purchases. Registered locations are easy to find using our online search and mapping features (PC or Smartphone) or by downloading the ‘Blue W Water Finder’ smartphone app from our site. For those with limited access to technology, printable city maps can be downloaded and stickers can be found on café windows.

But the Blue W network is not just about avoiding disposable containers; it’s about understanding that we’ve paid a monthly water bill to support the hard work of our municipal water departments, and the water they provide is a common good that should be easily accessed beyond individual fence lines.

You are already aware of how bulk water exportation and plastic bottling can affect our communities. Overflowing landfills, expensive recycling programs, and looming water shortages are just some of the hidden costs of bottled beverages. Environmentalists and public health advocates have spread the word, and many people would now prefer to drink tap water. The practical reality is that tap water can be hard to find when away from home, while at your office or on vacation. We’re working to remove the invisible barriers to accessing community water resources.

We aim to start a discussion about water and sustainability issues and to create a community of citizens who are making conscious decisions for a sustainable future.

Blue W’s primary goal is to build a comprehensive network of cafes and eateries across Canada to let neighbours and visitors to our community fill their reusable bottle whenever and wherever they want.

If you would like to find out more about the BlueW program and how it is spreading across Canada visit BlueW.org