Policies

Bottled Water Policy

Policy Purpose

In 2009, Governor David Paterson issued Executive Order No 18: Restricting the Use of Bottled Water at State Facilities and Promoting Executive Agency Sustainability. The order was issued in an effort to conserve both natural resources and fiscal resources, as well promote sound environmental practices and make State agency operations more environmentally responsible. The order required the phase out of the purchase and use of bottled water at all executive agency facilities. While the College is not considered an executive agency we have chosen to voluntarily comply, to the extent possible, with the order.

The purpose of this policy is to establish limitations for the purchase and use of bottled water on campus in an effort to further promote green and sustainable practices and reduce the College’s carbon footprint. Unlike other beverages such as soda or juice, water is readily available to the campus community in various forms so the College is able to limit the use of bottled water, thereby reducing the amount of plastic consumed by the campus.

Persons Affected

Faculty, Staff

Policy Statement

In an effort to further strengthen the College’s commitment to sustainability, the College has decided to reduce the role of bottled water on campus.

The purchase of bottled water products for consumption by faculty, staff, and students is not an acceptable use of institutional funds. Effective August 26, 2019, departments are not permitted to use institutional funds to purchase bottled water products of any kind. The only departments that are permitted to use institutional funds to purchase bottled water are those that have a justifiable requirement for such under the following circumstances:

1. Departments offering health-related services (i.e. Health and Wellness Center, Campus Mental Health Services) in which drinking water must be readily available.

2. In emergency situations in which access to clean/safe drinking water is limited.

3. Student athletes when access to clean/safe drinking water is not available.

4. Events or activities conducted in support of Student Recruitment.

5. Large scale campus-wide events in which the campus would reasonably be expected to provide clean/safe drinking water.

In addition, bottled water will no longer be available at catered events of fewer than 50 people. This threshold has been established based on the campus food service provider’s limited access to a filtered water source and the limitations they face in providing safe alternatives to bottled water for larger groups. Once a reliable filtration system capable of supporting catered events of more than 50 people can be identified and installed the College will further reduce use of bottled water at such events.

The College will offer our campus community and guests reasonable alternatives to plain, bottled water. These alternatives include:

1. Water filtration fountains located in Whitman Hall, Gleeson Hall, Laffin Hall, Horton Hall, University Police and the Nold Athletic Complex. Additional water filtration fountains will be installed where possible.

2. Promoting the use of reusable bottles.

3. Use of water pitchers, reusable cups and infused water canisters at catered events whenever possible. Recycling bins will be provided when water bottles are used at catered events for larger groups.

This policy does not preclude students, faculty and staff from independently purchasing and using bottled water products on campus, although we strongly encourage the use of reusable bottles and campus filtration fountains in their place. Departments wishing to retain water coolers/bottled water must remit payment from PERSONAL funds directly to the vendor.

Procedures

Any department that wishes to purchase water products with institutional funds must forward a Food and Beverage Justification Form to the Controller’s Office at least three (3) weeks prior to the intended date of purchase. The department must use the form to describe how the water purchase falls within one of the aforementioned exceptions. The form will be reviewed and approved by the Controller and departments will receive written notification of the status of their request within five (5) business days.

Definitions

Bottled Water Products - any water product, including natural spring, purified, distilled, or other water, which is put into sealed bottles, packages or other containers, to be sold for domestic consumption.

Institutional Funds - any funds managed by a campus department. This includes, but is not limited to, state purpose, IFR, SUTRA, and agency account funds.

Student Recruitment - any activity conducted in an effort to attract potential students and inform them of the programs and opportunities available at Farmingdale State College.

Related Documents

Food and Beverage Justification Form

Executive Order 18

Responsible Office

Controller's Office

Policy History

Date of Permanent Approval: April 9, 2019

Effective Date: August 26, 2019