PHOENIX (AP) - A proposed $35 million water-bottling plant in Phoenix is drawing disbelief from conservationists focused on a lingering drought.
Nestle Waters last week announced plans to treat city tap water and bottle it as Pure Life branded water bottles. The proposed bottling plant is projected to use almost 35 million gallons of water in its first year filling 264million half-liter bottles.
Phoenix officials say the city's tap-water supply is secure for years and that they are happy to use it to attract manufacturing jobs. The bottling plant is expected to create 40 to 50 jobs.
Critics of the plant say it sends a mixed message: Phoenix residents have been encouraged to conserve water for years amid a two-decade drought but city officials are now allowing water to be bottled away.
