Although tests revealed no dangerous levels of harmful bacteria, Austinites still responded like it was the zombie apocalypse.
I stayed home, put on a large stock pot on the stove, and boiled enough water for me and my dogs to drink and use.
I am also running it through the filter pitcher just in case.
But what this water frenzy revealed is a bigger picture regarding the imminent need to conserve water for the long run, as well as where Austin’s local bottling companies are sourcing their water, and how are they projecting and producing with this the ordinance.
I reached out to three local companies, and received the following statement from Richard’s Rainwater: “Due to city wide boil order, Richard’s Rainwater, which is unaffected by this ordinance, is donating as much of its real rainwater as possible during this period.
Founded in 2002 by Richard Heinichen, Richard’s Rainwater is the first FDA approved bottled rainwater company in the U.S. that produces still and sparkling rainwater.
As the name indicates, the company bottles pure rain water free from pollutants, salts, minerals and other contaminants.
Our goal is to become the most sustainable bottled water company we can be."
Since the boil-water ordinance went in effect, Richard’s Rainwater has given out upwards of ten thousand bottles to local charities, schools and animal shelters.
But charity is not new to this company.