Lake Tahoe and other areas promote using refillable water bottles. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

As a kid I remember having a big container of water on the tennis court, at least during matches. I suppose I had it at practice, too, but not sure.

Hydration wasn’t much of a thing when I was growing up. When I was thirsty I drank. Now I know waiting until you feel thirsty means you are dehydrated.

We didn’t have much soda growing up. Orange juice and milk are the main beverages I remember.

Now, though, I almost only drink water. I have a glass beside me every day at the computer. I have a glass on my nightstand. I have a stainless steel container with me almost at all times. Now on the tennis court I have a bottle with electrolytes in it.

I order water when I eat out—even if I order something else to drink.

You know things have changed when my mom carries a water bottle with her. Her drink of choice at home is hot tea, but think about it—the main ingredient is water.

Clearly, we’ve always needed water. Humans can only live without water for about three days, according to medical experts.

Whatever spurred the water craze, I think it’s great. Well, it’s great if you are using a reusable container.

Buying water seems so absurd to me. Yes, I know some places even in the United States have crappy water, so those people have to buy it. Otherwise, buying bottled water is horrible—horrible for the environment, horrible on your wallet, horrible for your health to be drinking out of plastic.

South Lake Tahoe and Truckee in the past couple of years banned the sale of single-use plastic water bottles. Concord, where I grew up, was one of the first cities in the country to ban the plastic bottles in 2013. However, most bans allow larger jugs to be sold.

If only every place would implement a plastic water bottle ban.

With refillable water stations being ubiquitous, there is no reason not to have your own bottle.

Give up the plastic. It will do a world of good.