San Francisco votes to ban the sale of plastic bottled water

A bottle of Dasani water sits on the floor inside the Recology recycling facility on March 15, 2011 in San Francisco, California. The multi-million dollar bottled water industry continues to prosper despite outrage from environmentalists who point out that at least half of the empty bottles end up in landfills instead of being recycled. Environmental groups are encouraging people to use reusable containers and get their water from the tap which is safe to drink in over 90 percent of the United States.

San Francisco city leaders have voted to ban the sale of plastic bottled water on public property, making it one of the strictest bans in the country.

The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to ban the sale and distribution of water in plastic bottles of up to 21 ounces on city properties in including parks, plazas and buildings. Supervisor David Chiu says the goal is to end plastic waste.

The ban would begin in phases starting in October and would go into effect on city streets and sidewalks by 2016. The plan also requires more drinking fountains and refillable bottle stations be built.

The International Bottled Water Association says most people won't carry refillable containers and bottled water bans would encourage consumers to turn to high-calorie sugary drinks.

With contributions by the Associated Press.