WATER, BOTTLED DRINKING - 3612

Building codes or health ordinances in most localities require that a building owner provide occupants a convenient source of good drinking water.  It is the policy of the State to provide adequate facilities for cold drinking water from fountains connected to the building water supply. When an agency enters into or renews a lease, the lessor should, if possible, be required to provide adequate cold drinking water facilities at no cost to the State. Before entering into or renewing a lease, agencies will determine the fitness or palatability of available drinking water facilities.

Bottled drinking water may be purchased by the agency where it has been determined that the building water supply is not fit for human consumption or where the cost of connecting a drinking fountain to the building water supply renders it impractical. No other purchases of bottled drinking water will be made.

Where the building drinking water supply in existing State occupancies is so tepid as to render it unpalatable, consideration will be given to agency requests for the purchase of water coolers. Rental expense for water coolers is not authorized except in certain field conditions where potable water is not available.