June 4th, 2009

From Green Right Now Reports

After a trial run than began last year, TapIt Water, a water bottle refilling service, is officially launching in New York City.

TapIt engages a network of cafes and eateries across New York City that volunteer as partners to provide clean drinking water to those who carry in their own reusable bottle. TapIt users can find partner locations at TapitWater.com and iPhone users can download a locator application from the App Store. The web site also has a map locating water fountains around the city.

“I was so frustrated that in order to get a drink of water when I was out in the city, I had to purchase a bottle of it. I was eager to find a way to both save on the expense and reduce the waste that comes from single serve plastic bottles,” TapIt founder Kylie Harper said in a statement.

In the past 5 months, more than 200 cafes and eateries in New York City have started participating in the network. The service projects it can save it users up to $500 annually by eliminating the need to buy bottled water.  The environment wins by also cutting the carbon footprint of plastic bottles.