Most of us carry water bottles, whether store-bought from usual brands like Poland Spring or reusable ones. Mine may be from Iceland, Lacoste, or a generic brand, but Lacoste’s metal bottle is best because it keeps water cold. To help the environment, I also reuse bottles bought at the last minute.
We carry them to stay hydrated, quench thirst, or take medicine. They fit easily into gym or camera-bag pockets, and even Yankee Stadium and other sports arenas allow you to bring in one sealed bottle up to a set size—though I wish they allowed more.
Some are rather large. Some are tiny. All serve their purpose.
The problem is refilling them.
In your office, there is usually a water cooler. They come in all shapes and sizes, from the giant water bottle to a tank. Either way, you can get your fix. When you’re traveling, we know we have to follow the rules, i.e., buy the water after going through airport security and stuffing it in your bag or jacket pocket.
But here’s where the problems arise.
The other day, I was at the Whitehall Street terminal for the Staten Island Ferry. I watched a woman refill her Poland Spring bottle at the water fountain between the entrances to the terminal’s restrooms. At least as she was refilling there wasn’t a pigeon sitting in it.
But how could you refill your water bottle in a public transportation terminal? I suppose she was incredibly brave.
I can understand if you are super desperate and are dying of thirst or need to take a pill. For the record, I can take pills dry. I know it is not recommended. It is also not recommended to use public water fountains as refill stations.
I generally follow the recommendations. I’d buy a new one or just take the pill dry.
I suppose the person I saw refilling her bottle was either desperate or didn’t think of the filth that lives in that fountain.
Stay hydrated. Stay Safe.
