Water

This is not a new policy. RIT first adopted a policy to prevent the use of university funds on bottled water in 2012. This policy was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that we have returned to normal operations, the policy is being reinstated and updated to reflect current practices.

Yes. Bottled water will be available at vending machines and dining units for anyone to purchase using personal funds. This policy applies only to the use of RIT funds for packaged water.

This policy will impact anyone who makes purchases using university dollars. Individuals purchasing food and beverage as well as individuals that approve purchases (including procurement card purchases) should be mindful of this policy.

Yes! Our municipal tap water is managed by Monroe County Water Authority, and is rigorously
tested to strict hygiene and safety standards above those required by state and federal
authorities. Regular testing ensures that our water is not contaminated with pollutants (including
heavy metals) and is safe for drinking. The Greater Rochester area is fortunate to have reliable
access to fresh water. Our water comes primarily from Lake Ontario, and Hemlock and
Canadice Lakes, two undeveloped Finger Lakes that provide abundant and clean drinking
water. By comparison, packaged water has been found to contain higher concentrations of
micro-plastics than tap water.

Yes! Many hydration stations installed on campus contain indicator lights as a standard design
feature, and a red light does not indicate poor water quality. Our water is filtered and tested
regularly by Monroe County Water Authority to ensure that it is safe for drinking.

No. This policy only applies to still, unflavored, packaged water.

Members of the campus community are encouraged to use a reusable water bottle and fill it up
for free at hydration stations. Departments that frequently host outside guests for meetings and
small events may consider purchasing reusable pitchers and cups. RIT catering can provide
pitchers of water upon request for small and large scale catered events. If you need additional
assistance, please email sustainability@rit.edu.

Yes. RIT Catering will not offer packaged water as an option for university funded events.
Pitchers of water will be provided upon request for small and large events on campus. If you are
working with an outside caterer, the policy also applies. Be sure to communicate the university
policy and discuss their non-packaged water options.

Yes. Participants should be reminded and encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles
to these events. Departments that host large outdoor events frequently are encouraged to
purchase their own reusable water coolers for outdoor use as appropriate.

Single-use packaged water may be purchased for off-campus activities if access to clean
drinking water is not available (this includes athletic teams, any student group travel, and
employees traveling on behalf of RIT). Individuals are encouraged to bring their own reusable
water bottles whenever practical. Organizers of events that are not held on RIT property are
encouraged to request pitchers rather than single-use packaged water, but are not required to
do so.

Boxed water is not a better alternative to plastic bottles. Boxed water, like any form of packaged
water, has a significantly higher carbon footprint, takes more resources to produce and
transport, generates more waste, and costs more than municipal tap water. Additionally,
commoditizing water may create a disincentive to invest in public water infrastructure,
endangering public health and exacerbating water crises around the world.

While single-use products of any type generate more waste than their reusable counterparts, the shipping of packaged water results in greater use of resources and carbon emissions than shipping single-use cups because of the weight. If single-use cups must be used, compostable cups are recommended over plastic cups.

No. People have different needs and preferences when it comes to selecting a water bottle. Many places already give out reusable bottles, as evidenced by the number and variety that are donated to Goodbuy, Goodbuy! every year. Rather than add to that volume with another give away, students can find a reusable water bottle at the annual Goodbye, Goodbuy! sale if they don’t already have one.

If your office is in a building without access to a kitchen suite or hydration station, you can use WB Mason’s beverage service. As part of RIT’s contract with WB Mason, offices can rent a 5 gallon water cooler for free, and WB Mason will refill the water jugs as needed. Reusable water jugs are a cheaper and more environmentally friendly option than single-use packaged water.

Exceptions include:

• Individuals traveling on behalf of RIT where access to clean drinking water may not be readily available (this includes employee travel, athletic teams, or other student group travel).
• Organizers of events that are not held on RIT property are encouraged to request water pitchers rather than bottled water, but are not required to do so.
• In locations without kitchenettes or hydration stations, offices may work with WB Mason to rent refillable water coolers.
• Additional exceptions can be made by contacting sustainability@rit.edu in advance.