Media Release

Tap water, not bottled water, to be the norm in municipal offices, facilities

(October 12, 2010) - Halifax Regional Council voted this evening to phase out the purchase of bottled water, including water coolers, in the majority of HRM administrative facilities and offices.

The restrictions do not apply to community centres and recreation facilities. Additionally, exceptions will be made in cases where emergency or operational staff requires bottled water for occupational health and safety reasons, and in locations where there is no access to clean drinking water.

Last year, Council supported the restriction of the purchase and sale of bottled water at City Hall and asked staff to explore the possibility of extending the restriction to other municipal offices and facilities.

“Our municipal water supply produces safe, clean, water that rivals anything found in a bottle,” said Mayor Peter Kelly. “It makes sense to do the right thing for our environment by turning on the tap instead of turning the cap on bottled water.”

Facility operations staff has been testing water quality at a variety of HRM locations to ensure staff and the public have access to clean, free drinking water. This has pointed to the need to do minor repairs to some fountains and water filters. While no need for major repairs or replacements has been discovered, work that may be required will be incorporated into future facility budgets.

In recreation centres, bottled water will continue to be available in vending machines but patrons will also have access to drinking fountains.

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Contact:
Mayor Peter Kelly
490-4010

Richard MacLellan
Manager, Sustainable Environment Management Office (SEMO)
490-6056