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TITLE:
Purchase and Use of Bottled Water Polley
SECTION:
Administration - Corporate Identity Program
POLICY NO: 01130-02
APPROVAL DATE: April 24, 2023
Policy Statement:
The Town of Amherst, through the Amherst Water Utility, provides municipal drinking water in the
area. It is important that the Town stands as a leader in the promotion of public drinking water,
and the building of public confidence in the use of drinking water in Amherst. The use of tap water
over bottled water conserves energy, reduces utilization of fossil fuels and saves money.
To this end, the Town of Amherst will make every attempt to not purchase bottled water where
potable tap water is available, and the Town will encourage staff to use potable tap water.
Definitions:
Bottled Water
Water that can be purchased in individual sized bottles (plastic and glass).
Potable Water
Water that is safe for human consumption and domestic use.
Tap Water
Water that is provided by a municipal water treatment or distribution facility and registered public
drinking water supply.
Policy Objectives:
The objectives of this policy are to achieve the following:
-
Eliminate the Town purchasing bottled water where potable water is available;
-
Minimize Town staff and client use of bottled water;
-
Increase the use of potable tap water for Town staff and clients.
Application
This policy applies to all Town employees.
It is recognized that individuals who are immune-compromised or have other sensitivities related to
water quality may need to buy bottled water.
This policy is exempt in the case of an emergency as defined by the Emergency Management Act.
Policy Directives
-
Meetings and events hosted by the Town of Amherst (on or off site) shall have tap water
available to clients and employees when potable water is available. Bottled water will only
be provided when deemed necessary.
TITLE:
Purchase and Use of Bottled Water Policy
SECTION:
Admlni.stratlon - Corporate Identity Program
POLICY NO: 01130-02
-
The use of Town supplied bottled water will be limited to work places that do not have
access to potable water or are under a water advisory.
Policy Guidelines
-
Encourage staff to use potable water in refillable containers rather than purchasing bottled
water when at work (e.g., buildings, meetings and training sessions);
-
Encourage staff to drink water as part of a healthy lifestyle whereby potable tap water is an
excellent source.
Accountability
Management and staff responsible for purchasing are accountable for executing this policy.
Employees are responsible for following the policy.
Monitoring
Each department will be responsible for monitoring the policy's implementation, performance and
effectiveness
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
All Em~yees
For Administrative Use Only:
VERSION LOG
Minor wording changes to
discourage the use of bottle
water rather than rohibit it
I Review Policy as necessary
' Encoura_ge the use of _potable ta_p wat_er;...._ _ ___________
___;
Minutes reference date:
25 September 2017