California Hall sets up tap water stations for visitors and employees

“The staff and guests love it! It's been very, very well received.”

As the UC Berkeley campus continues to pursue new ways of going green, several departments have opted to rid themselves of water coolers with 5-gallon bottles. California Hall is the newest to make the commitment to a greener hydration system for its employees and visitors.

Seven tap water stations now sit strategically around the building to replace the four water coolers. Prior to the switch, California Hall alone would use around four 5-gallon water bottles a week—even more in summer months. The pitcher set-up has saved the building around $2,000-3,000 a year, according to Dee Middleton, Special Projects and Facilities Manager for California Hall.

California Hall is one of several buildings to get on board with the "I ♥ Tap Water" campaign, sponsored by four campus departments and funded by the Green Initiative Fund.  I ♥ Tap Water encourages departments to chose Berkeley tap water, flowing from the Sierra Nevada snow melt, as the preferred water source in buildings. The campaign is currently developing a “Water Cooler Conversion Guide” to help departments chose the most fitting tap water options for their building.

With the pitcher system in place in California Hall, those working in the building have started making more sustainable choices, says Middleton. “More and more people are using their refillable water bottles and much less plastic is being used.”

The staff of Cal Hall made the commitment on Earth Day 2010 to go greener by canceling their contract with Arrowhead. Says Middleton, “the staff and guests love it! It's been very, very well received.”

February 1, 2011