Map Shows Where Sale of Plastic Water Bottles Is Banned in US
April 10, 2025
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Efforts to curb plastic waste in the United States are accelerating, with a growing number of cities and municipalities enacting bans on the sale of single-use plastic water bottles.
These localized initiatives aim to cut back on pollution and encourage reusable alternatives in areas where environmental conservation is a pressing concern.
The most recent proposal comes from Nevada, where lawmakers introduced a bill in 2024 that would prohibit the sale of plastic water bottles 1 gallon or less in size on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. The legislation mirrors an ordinance already in place in South Lake Tahoe, California, where a ban on the sale and distribution of such bottles took effect on April 22, 2024—Earth Day.
Newsweek reached out to the International Bottled Water Association and Nevada State Senator Melanie Scheible, who is the primary sponsor of her state’s bill, via email for comment.
Why It Matters
The movement reflects growing public concern over plastic pollution, which scientists have linked to threats to wildlife and ecosystems. According to the United Nations, two-thirds of the 430 million tons of plastic produced annually are used only once, with discarded materials entering waterways and even food chains.
Banning single-use bottles is one way cities and states are trying to address the issue.
What To Know
Several U.S. jurisdictions have passed targeted bans on single-use plastic water bottles:
South Lake Tahoe, California: As of April 2024, businesses are prohibited from selling single-use plastic water bottles under 1 gallon.
Truckee, California: An ordinance effective in 2024 bans the sale of both plastic water bottles and paper cartons under 1 gallon in stores, with limited exceptions.
Falmouth, Maine: Bans the sale of non-carbonated, unflavored water in single-use plastic bottles under 1 gallon.
San Francisco, California: Since 2014, bans the sale of plastic water bottles on city-owned property, excluding sporting events.
Breckenridge, Colorado: Ordinance prohibits the sale of plastic water bottles in town buildings, parks and permitted events.
Hingham, Massachusetts: Effective January 1, 2024, Hingham prohibited the sale of non-carbonated, unflavored drinking water in single-use plastic bottles smaller than 1 gallon.
Concord, Massachusetts: Since 2012, Concord prohibits the sale of non-sparkling, unflavored drinking water in single-serving plastic bottles of 1 liter or less.
Great Barrington, Massachusetts: Approved a ban on the sale of single-use plastic water bottles in May 2018.
State of Massachusetts: In 2023, Governor Maura Healey signed a statewide order banning agencies from buying single-use bottles 21 ounces or less.
A stock photo of a woman drinking from a plastic bottle. A stock photo of a woman drinking from a plastic bottle. kieferpix/Getty
What People Are Saying
Scheible said in an interview with The Nevada Independent: “This bill is coming from local people who live in Lake Tahoe, who visit Lake Tahoe, who love Lake Tahoe, who really want to maintain the beauty of the lake for generations to come.”
The International Bottled Water Association said in The Nevada Independent report: “This legislation is not in the public interest. Restricting access to bottled water, in any packaging, would hinder individuals searching for a healthier beverage alternative.”
David Thorp of the American Beverage Association said in a report by KUNR: “A ban will take away the convenience and affordability of a safe option to consume water and very likely hurt local businesses. Local grocery stores, restaurants, and convenience stores rely on bottled water sales. Alternatives such as aluminum bottles of water are very expensive, and they have a larger environmental footprint than plastic bottles.”
The town of Hingham, Massachusetts’ website: “Since 2010, yearly water bottle consumption in the United States has grown by 40%…The best alternative is a refillable water bottle, and water is easily accessible, safe, and available through hydration stations, bubblers, and the tap.”
What Happens Next
Nevada lawmakers are expected to debate the Tahoe-side ban in the current legislative session. If approved, the state would become the latest jurisdiction to restrict the sale of bottled water in environmentally sensitive areas.
Elsewhere, New York continues to push for legislation that would bar the sale of single-use bottles in public institutions and potentially beyond.
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