In Eagle County, we pride ourselves on setting high standards for sustainability and environmental stewardship. However, as Vail Town Council considers implementing a ban on the retail sale of plastic water bottles under a gallon, it is crucial to take a step back and evaluate the full scope of the proposal. While the intent is laudable, its potential hazards—especially during emergencies—should give us pause.

Colorado’s recent history offers a sobering lesson on the critical role bottled water plays in emergencies. The Marshall Fire of 2022, the most destructive wildfire in state history, serves as a case study in what happens when access to potable water is compromised. As fires tore through Boulder County, firefighters were forced to pump untreated water through municipal systems, contaminating them. Residents were issued unsafe water advisories and urged to use bottled water or boil tap water before consumption. But widespread power outages rendered boiling impossible for most households.

This scenario underscores the life-saving importance of bottled water during crises. Imagine a similar situation in Vail - a community perched along the I-70 corridor, where access is frequently disrupted. With I-70 closed and limited emergency supplies, a bottled water ban would leave residents and emergency responders scrambling. As local professionals have often shared, it is a matter of when, not if, we will face a local wildfire.

Even in Southern California, where water shortages during fires are common, communities have struggled to supply enough bottled water under similar unsafe water advisories. Are we prepared to take such a risk in a wildfire-prone region like ours?

The conversation around plastic water bottles often overlooks the advancements in recycling systems and the value of PET plastic, the high quality and universally recyclable plastic used to make water bottles. PET is not only used for bottles but also repurposed into clothing fibers, carpets, and car interiors. Starting in 2026, Colorado’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program will make recycling even more robust and efficient, funded by producers who benefit from these materials.

Plastic water bottles also play a key role in reducing foodborne illnesses and food waste. They meet EPA standards for safety, ensuring a reliable option for clean, purified drinking water—a critical consideration for our health-conscious residents and visitors.

The economic implications of a plastic water bottle ban are equally concerning. Retailers report significant revenue from bottled water sales and banning them would drive consumers toward higher-calorie beverages. This not only undermines public health but also perpetuates the use of plastic in other forms—since many alternative beverages are also packaged in plastic.

Switching to aluminum may seem like a viable alternative, but it is neither cost-effective nor environmentally superior. A nine-pack of 16 oz aluminum bottles costs approximately $20, compared to $5 for a 40-pack of 16.9 oz plastic bottles. Additionally, no water is currently bottled in aluminum within Colorado, meaning it must be transported from out of state, increasing both costs and carbon emissions.

Sustainability is vital, but it must be balanced with practicality, safety, and equity. Banning plastic water bottles will not eliminate plastic waste—it will shift it elsewhere while creating new problems. Instead of rushing toward a ban, we should continue to invest in robust recycling initiatives, educate consumers on proper disposal, and explore innovative solutions that reduce waste without compromising emergency preparedness or affordability.

The Marshall Fire and similar disasters remind us that access to bottled water can be a matter of life and death. Let’s ensure that Vail’s policies reflect both our commitment to the environment and our responsibility to protect our community.

Chris Romer is president & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership, 3-time national chamber of the year. Learn more at VailValleyPartnership.com