Tantramar Purchase and Use of Bottled Water (2025-21) — full text

This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document. Snapshot b8ad2e41262b · verified 2026-06-07 · original document · archived snapshot · unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.

Policy 2025-21 Purchase and Use of Bottled Water Approved November 12, 2025 1. PURPOSE To eliminate the purchase of bottled water using organizational funds in recognition of the availability of safe, high-quality municipal tap water. This supports our commitment to environmental sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and public health. By discouraging the procurement of single-use bottled water, we aim to reduce plastic waste and pollution, minimize carbon emissions associated with production and transportation, and promote the use of refillable containers and existing water infrastructure. 2. STATEMENT The Municipality of Tantramar, through the Engineering & Public Works Department, provides municipal drinking water in the area. It is important that the Municipality stands as a leader in the promotion of public drinking water, and the building of public confidence in the use of drinking water in Sackville and Dorchester. The use of tap water over bottled water conserves energy, reduces utilization of fossil fuels and saves money. The problem of plastic pollution of waterways and oceans and the deleterious effects on the environment, specifically on wildlife, on the food chain and on our health. 3. DEFINITIONS a) "Bottled Water" means water that can be purchased in individual sized bottles (plastic or glass). b) "Field Staff" are employees whose primary duties require them to perform work outdoors, often exposed to extreme weather conditions such as high heat. These roles involve physical presence at job sites, remote locations and operational areas where access to safe, potable tap water is not available or feasible. c) "Potable Water" means water that is safe for human consumption and domestic use. d) "Potable Tap Water" means water that is provided by a municipal water treatment facility and registered public drinking water supply. 4. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this policy are to achieve the following: a) Eliminate the Municipality's purchasing of bottled water but there may be exceptions; b) Increase the use of potable tap water for Council members and Municipal Employees. c) Increase the use of potable tap water for drinking in all Municipal facilities and events. 5. APPLICATION a) This policy applies to all Council members and Municipal Employees. TANTRAMAR POLICY NUMBER: 2025-21 Pages: 2 Administered by: Chief Administrative Officer Subject: Purchase and Use of Bottled Water Effective Date: November 12, 2025 Policy 2025-21 Purchase and Use of Bottled Water Approved November 12, 2025 b) It is recognized that Council members and Municipal employees who have health issues related to the consumption of tap water may need to use their own water (bottled or otherwise) for drinking. 6. EXEMPTIONS This policy does not apply: a) In the case of an emergency as defined in our Municipal Emergency Response Plan; b) If the municipal potable tap water is unavailable, for example due to water advisories; c) To the Tantramar Fire Service during live calls and training events; and, d) To field staff during heat advisories; e) To the operations of the Canteen at the Tantramar Veteran's Memorial Civic Centre. 7. PROCEDURE a) Meetings and events hosted by the Municipality of Tantramar (on or off site) shall have potable tap water available to guests, Council members and Municipal employees. Bottled water will not be provided. b) The Municipality may supply bottled water in the event of Exemptions (a) to (d). c) Council members and Municipal employees are encouraged to use potable tap water in refillable containers. d) This policy encourages Council members and Municipal employees to drink water as part of a healthy lifestyle whereby potable tap water is an excellent source. 8. POLICY REVIEW & RESPONSIBILITY This policy shall be reviewed annually to ensure it remains current and in accordance with best practices and any necessary updates will be brought forward for Council review and approval. Department Responsible for review: Office of the CAO  Active Living & Culture  Community & Corporate Services  Engineering & Public Works  Financial Services  Protective Services  9. REPEAL Town of Sackville Policy No. 2020-12 Purchase and Use of Bottled Water is hereby repealed. ___________________________________ ________________________________ Jennifer Borne, Chief Administrative Officer Date: ___________________________________ ________________________________ Andrew Black, Mayor Date: