I’m assuming some people want to make sure there is no “garbage on the trail” but water is left there by runners and hikers whom are looking for that important bottle later. Sometimes they’re hidden sometimes in plain sight at the bottom of a post, tree, wall etc.

Maybe this is new info to these “helpful” groups but the runner/hiker is likely coming back for it and depending on it. Please don’t gatekeep and say one must hold their own water. The world already gives us enough problems as it is (cars running us down when not on trails, off-leash dogs jumping us because you don’t care about rules). So if you don’t care about rules why care about taking what isn’t yours? These bottles aren’t empty either.

If you know someone who takes pleasure in “cleaning up a trail” why not tell them to at least wait a day to see if that bottle is still there?

Or at least leave a note as to which receptacle you disposed it in. We’d still like it back. Runners and hikers do love trials and keeping them clean. Sure there are some who will drop garbage but it happens with all trail users. Many of these demographics will often do a Buffalo hunt and clean or maintain trails for everyone (making water crossings etc)

So please leave their water alone.