Jun 25, 2007 7:42 am US/Eastern
NYC: Drink Our Tap Water!
Big-Bucks Promos Hawk Crystal-Clear H2O
by Tamsen Fadal
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
If you are one of many who spend hundreds of dollars a year on bottled water, put away your wallet. New York City tap water is the newest thing on tap. It's cheap, healthy and about to get a sparkling reputation.
New York City is shelling out big bucks to promote, of all things, its tap water.
If you haven't had your fill of New York City tap water, you're about to get it.
It's got zero calories; zero sugar; and great with a twist.
According to published reports, the city is pouring $700,000 of taxpayer money into ads promoting New York City water.
During the month of July, the city will post 1,400 glossy ads that will line subways and bus kiosks. Additionally, you'll be hearing plenty of radio ads convincing you to replace your soda with H2O.
The ads urge New Yorkers to "Get your fill."
The Department of Environmental Protection reportedly co-sponsored the ad with the Health Department. They say that the goal is to save New Yorkers from dumping money into bottled water.
On July 1, there will be an 11.5 percent increase in water bills or about $72 a year more on average.
But officials say the rate hike isn't paying for the ad campaign.
New York City is also among only five cities in the nation that has a federal waiver not to filter its water because it's so fresh and safe to drink.
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