Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Aquafina FlavorSplash, a flavored bottled water, still sold in the vending machines?
Flavor Splash is similar to vitamin water, bottled teas, and sodas because the manufacturer has added sweetener and flavorings to the water.
Can I still buy bottled water off campus and bring it to campus?
Yes.
Since I can’t buy bottled water from Bon Appetit Catering, what are my options?
Bon Appetit catering provides water service (iced water and compostable cups) for free. An assortment of sparkling mineral waters are also sold in glass bottles and aluminum cans.
How much more expensive is bottled water over tap water?
As of August 2010, a 20 ounce bottle of Aquafina in a Seattle U vending machine cost $1.50. Seattle tap water costs $.005 per gallon—so for the same price as one 20-ounce bottle of Aquafina you’d get 300 gallons of water from the municipal water system. One gallon of Aquafina would cost about $9.60. In comparison, a gallon of organic milk costs about $5.50. The water from _____ location on campus tastes different to me. Can someone verify what I’m tasting?
The campus Water Quality Testing Committee can test the water and make a determination. To request a test or be on the committee, contact Chip Romain, Environmental, Health & Safety Coordinator.
When will the 5-gallon water bottles in faculty and staff departments be removed from campus?
Since 2009, Facilities has reduced the number of locations receiving five-gallon water bottles from 51 to 40. The department's long-range plan is to continue replacing bottled-water service with hot and cold water using the sink, refrigerator water dispensers, sink Insta-hots, countertop hot and cold water dispensers, bottleless water coolers, or fountains.
Where can I learn about the social, environmental and economic problems caused by bottled water?
Where can I learn about water filters?
Take Back the Tap Guide to Safe Tap Water: How to read your water quality report and choose the best filtration system for your home (pdf)
I have feedback or a question about the removal of single-use plastic bottled water from campus, who do I talk to?
Karen Price, Campus Sustainability Manager, 296-6997
Is Seattle U really the first Washington institution of higher education to stop selling single-use plastic bottled water campus-wide?
Yes. The campus-wide removal includes vending machines, athletics concession stand, Bookstore, on-campus restaurants and catering. Gonzaga University's removal took place in 2008, however, plastic bottled water is still sold in vending machines and at athletics events.
What other large organizations in Washington have stopped purchasing bottled water?
In March 2008, the City of Seattle stopped purchasing bottled water for employees working in city buildings and at events, citing Seattle's high-quality municipal water supply and the significant environmental costs of throw-away plastic bottles. The next month, King County stopped purchasing bottled water for all County agencies.