The French are among the world’s top consumers of bottled water, taking in an average of 128 litres each in 2009. Presumably with the resulting 262,000 tonnes of plastic waste in mind.

Eau de Paris, the city’s public water company — recently set up a new water fountain called “la pétillante” that dispenses sparkling water.

Located in Jardin de Reuilly, a park in eastern Paris, the new fountain injects city tap water with carbon dioxide and then chills it to a pleasing temperature.

At the new fountain — which is modeled after similar ones in Italy.Consumers can now get both still and bubbly water.

www.eaudeparis.fr

www.casadellacqua.com