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Erie Waterworks proposes large‑scale tap‑water dispensers for city events
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Summary
Craig Palmer, CEO of Erie Waterworks, told the Environmental Advisory Council the utility is exploring rented and purchased large dispensers and branded water‑fountain upgrades to reduce bottled‑water waste at major events such as Celebrate Erie.
Craig Palmer, chief executive officer of Erie Waterworks, urged the City of Erie Environmental Advisory Council to consider citywide tap‑water dispensing at large public events to reduce single‑use plastic waste and to promote public confidence in local water quality. “Erie tap water is terrific,” Palmer said, adding that his office is doing more public outreach and education as part of his new role.
Palmer told the council the utility already loans small coolers and mobile dispensers for smaller events, and is researching larger rental and purchase options for citywide festivals. He said he is getting prices for a vendor called Quench Buggy and is considering rental trials before any larger investment. He estimated that larger units would likely cost in the “$65,000 to $70,000 range” depending on configuration and water‑supply needs.
Palmer framed the effort as an environmental and public‑education initiative. He said “over 60,000,000 bottles. Plastic bottles are thrown away daily. Less than 15% is recycled, I believe,” and emphasized cost and quality comparisons between tap and bottled water: “Our tap water is less than a penny per gallon. It's actually less than seventh of a cent per gallon.” He also noted regulatory differences for bottled water: “Their regulations are through the FDA are different. Their transparency, their consumer, reporting is different. Their testing requirements. And so, from a quality perspective, I believe we're held to a higher standard.”
Palmer described operational steps the utility would need to take before deploying large dispensers. Those include updating operating permits with the state Department of Environmental Protection, creating standard operating procedures for hauling, cleaning, filling and staffing units, and examining insurance or vendor requirements — he cited a case where a vendor required a $2,000,000 insurance policy as an example of variable requirements communities encounter. He said the utility is also considering sponsorships, university volunteer support, or using utility revenues to underwrite the program.
Members of the council asked for follow‑up on models and restrictions other municipalities have used, including whether vendor licensing can be used to limit bottled‑water sales at events where utility dispensers are provided. Palmer listed peers he has contacted for examples — Cleveland Water, Denver Water, Suffolk County (N.Y.), and a Connecticut authority — and offered to return with additional details and pricing after further conversations.
The council did not take a formal vote on the initiative; members encouraged Palmer to continue research and to provide a brief follow‑up to the council with vendor models, permit and insurance requirements and potential pilot options.
