SFO Unveils Water Filling Stations Beyond Security Checkpoints

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Parched travelers passing through San Francisco International Airport are no longer limited to pricey bottled water.

City officials on Wednesday unveiled a new network of tap water stations - the first at a major U.S. airport.

Travelers currently are prohibited from bringing more than 3.4 ounces of liquid past airport security, forcing many people to throw away their bottled water and then purchase more inside the terminal.

Officials say the tap water stations will offer a no-cost alternative and also help the environment by encouraging people to refill their used containers.

This is the latest effort by San Francisco officials to wean people off the bottle. In 2007, former Mayor Gavin Newsom ordered city offices to dispense tap water.