Bottled water is bad for the environment and bad for our wallets.  From the energy used to extract and ship the water to the depletion of local water resources and the waste from plastic bottles, the bottled water industry is an eco disaster.  So many of us have opted for reusable bottles like Klean Kanteen or Sigg that we can fill from the tap.

Filling up our bottle from the kitchen sink is easy. But how about when we're out in the world and need a drink? With water fountains disappearing and restaurants sometimes reluctant to fill bottles without a purchase, it can be frustrating to find drinking water for free.

Enter a couple of web sites that can help.

TapIt  began in New York City and is spreading across the U.S., now with locations in the Bay Area. Partner eating establishments commit to providing water to us in our reusable bottles at no charge.