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Los Angeles City Controller Laura Chick has reported that 13 city departments spent more than $184,000 of tax payer money last year on purchasing bottled water for its employees. That’s up from $88,941 in 2004, and after Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa warned against city departments spending money on bottled water. Meanwhile in the Canadian city of Toronto, the fourth largest in North America, bottled water has been altogether banned in all municipal buildings. Bottled water, and the larger issue of water access is of growing concern the world over. Already California’s projected water needs significantly outweigh available water resources and several cities including Los Angeles are considering options like water recycling. This Sunday, on World Water Day, organizers of a “March for Water” are calling for a gathering at the LA State Historic Park to walk to Rio de Los Angeles State Park. There will be a community water fair, and marchers will carry vessels of water on their heads during the march to symbolize what millions of people in developing nations face on a daily basis. The event was inspired by the recent acclaimed documentary FLOW, and is planned as bottled-water free event of course.

GUEST: Miguel Luna, Executive Director of UrbanSemillas.com.

There is a free screening of FLOW the Film on Friday March 20th at 6:30PM, limited to the first 100 people to RSVP. RSVP at www.marchforwater.com.

The March for Water starts at 9 am on Sunday March 22nd at the Los Angeles State Historic Park. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a reusable bottle, or sign up for a free one at www.marchforwater.com.