Several environmental groups are promoting the fact that cruise lines fill up on water when they visit South Florida ports, while at the same time, area residents and businesses are subject to water use restrictions.
Local water rules don't restrict cruise lines' water at all, even at times when emergency restrictions are in place. Cruise lines also get preferential rates for the water they buy. The groups say the industry takes enough water from South Florida ports annually to supply a city of 30,000 people.
The issue isn't getting much traction in Florida, however, because residents realize tourism is a major cash generator for the state's economy, and they have to make allowances.
The complete story appeared in the November 30, 2011, edition of Cruise News Daily.
