FAQs on bottled water at UVic
Is UVic considering a ban on the purchase and sale of bottled water?
The University of Victoria Students’ Society (UVSS) board passed a motion in September 2011 to ban the purchase and
sale of bottled water in the Student Union Building beginning April 1, 2012. The board has since requested that the
university administration implement a campus-wide ban.
A consultation process is now underway to solicit the opinions of staff and faculty on the possible ban on the purchase
and sale of bottled water across campus.
Have other universities and institutions banned bottled water?
Since 2009, at least 13 Canadian colleges and universities, two provincial governments and 85 municipalities have
banned the purchase and sales of single-use bottled water. The universities include Vancouver Island University, but not
Simon Fraser University or the University of BC. Some institutions have implemented “bottled waste free zones” and/or
banned bottled water from university-sponsored events.
How much bottled water is currently being purchased on campus?
Bottled water is UVic’s top selling bottled beverage by percentage, although overall sales have steadily declined over the
last three years. Sales of energy drinks and vitamin water are increasing.
How would a ban on bottled water sales impact the university’s revenues from the supplier?
Rebates on the sale of bottled water and other bottled beverages provide substantial funding for athletics, scholarships,
student recruitment and sustainability projects. Banning the purchase and sale of bottled water will likely affect this
revenue stream, but the exact amount would be dependent on any changes to overall sales.
Is our tap water safe to drink?
CRD tap water is considered some of the safest and best tasting in Canada. Tap water is routinely subjected to more
stringent testing standards than bottled water.
What is UVic doing to improve access to tap water?
UVic has upgraded a total of 50 water fountains in classroom buildings across campus to allow for easy refilling of water
bottles, with at least another 25 planned for this spring and summer. UVic has also purchased a portable water bottle
filling station, the Waterfillz, for use at outdoor events. UVic Food Services has eliminated the sale of bottled water in
some retail food outlets with nearby water fountains, including BiblioCafe, Mac’s Bistro, Arts Place, Village Greens and
Caps.
Are plastic bottles a significant component of the campus waste stream that is sent to the landfill?
In a 2011 waste audit, plastic bottles were found to make up only 3 per cent of the landfill waste stream. The majority of
bottles purchased on campus are being recycled.
What happens if there is an emergency and access to tap water is cut off, or there is a boil-water advisory?
UVic stockpiles bottled water in case of a “boil water” advisory or an emergency such as an earthquake. The bottled
water that is in storage for emergency use is currently rotated for sale on campus prior to its expiration date. This water
would not be included in a ban, and would therefore likely need to be returned to the vendor.
www.uvic.ca/sustainability
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