By Sascha Cordner
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-995494.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – Water bottling companies may have to start paying a fee for pumping water from Florida's springs and other water bodies. As Sascha Cordner reports, that's the goal of one Democratic lawmaker who says it's the right thing to do.
Democratic State Representative Franklin Sands says he filed House Bill 781 in response to public outrage that water bottling companies were able to take water from Florida and make a profit, but not pay any fees.
The Weston lawmaker called it a privilege. He also says if corporations are going to withdraw one of Florida's most precious natural resources, then it's only fair they be charged for the use.
The proposed fee would be a charge of five cents per gallon on the water extracted.
Sands says the money will then go to pay for alternative water supply projects.