The humble glass of tap water
We have probably all experienced both extremes here. On the one hand, some restaurants will provide us with a glass of tap water (or even a jug) when we sit at our table. American diners are particularly good in this regard. Water is considered a basic part of the table setting, and is regularly topped up during the meal. On the other hand, it is not served unless requested, and on one occasion in the UK has even been refused to us when I specifically asked for it. (is this against the law?)
But what is the right approach? Should we, as customers, have the right to free unlimited water while dining? Or does a restaurant have the right to get some revenue from whatever we drink in the course of our meal?
I have an issue with bottled water. Along with an increasing number of people, I find it hard to accept that we can use so many precious resources to bottle something that is freely available from our taps. Packaging, bottling and transportation are only a few of the components in the supply process of bringing water to our restaurant tables and into our homes.
For most of the developed world the liquid for sale in bottles is the same stuff that comes out of our taps (even if we might filter our water in some places). Many blind tests have shown that it tastes no different, despite the marketing hype. Yet many of us are happy to hand over good money to have the same product served from a bottle (£4 a litre is the norm in the UK). Why do we pay it?
There is a certain perception, no doubt gleefully nurtured by many in the hotel and restaurant industry, that we should feel awkward/embarrassed/cheap if we ask for tap water. A waiter will often ask us if we want to drink anything else, as if a free glass of water is not satisfactory. Buying a bottle of water buys us the tacit approval of the waiting staff, and does not mark us out as cheapskates.
There’s also the fact that if a waiter is expecting to receive 10% of the bill, then they will lose out every time that someone chooses to drink free water as opposed to the bottled equivalent.
I don’t have a problem with paying for a drink with my meal. But if I choose to drink water and ask for the free stuff from the tap, I don’t expect the level of service we receive to be determined by this decision. In fact I might choose to add a bit extra to my tip to include the service element of bringing regular water to our table. But I don’t want to be judged for the water I choose, whether my choice is based on environmental, economic or brand-related reasons.
I applaud those businesses that have adopted the American approach of providing free water without asking. It is a basic commodity and is received by most diners as a positive element of service. The use of bottled water creates an enormous amount of harmful waste. Restaurants that choose to forego an easy quick buck and make our perfectly good tap water available to their customers should be commended. They certainly win a big vote of approval from this diner, and I suspect many others too.
Or am I really just being cheap?
As for the restaurant that refused our request for tap water, I simply told the waiter that the £3 in question could either be used to pay for the bottled water, or as his tip. It was his choice. Not surprisingly, four glasses of tap water appeared shortly afterwards…
Great post Andy. I always ask for tap water – often, tap water is better than the mineral rubbish they sell – I’m very fussy about water!
If a restaurant only provides mineral water and refuses to offer tap water, I make a mental note and never return. It’s my opinion that restaurants should offer the choice. I totally agree with you, they should offer it unasked. It is a basic commodity which every diner has a right to.
I know what you mean, I feel like when I’ve asked for free lemon in my free water, that’s been the straw that breaks the camel’s back.
It’s only considered “cheap” if you get “caught,” right? So you should know from the decor of the restaurant, reviews and from a snap judgement of your waiter, whether asking for tap water will impact your service. Look around, what are other people drinking? That’s my theory at least. If you don’t like that kind of feeling, don’t go to those kinds of restaurants. And when in doubt, order sparkling water…good value
No, it is not cheap to ask for tap water, it is environmental friendly. And besides the tap water at least in Europe is most of the time healthier than the bottled water that has been in bottles for ages. In germany they are VERY reluctant to drink or use tapwater, everybody will tell you that “you can’t drink tapwater”, but I always insist, and those who know a bit more knows that the tap water is perfectly fine. I am not going to use water that has been transported across the world when I can get excellent quality from the tap, it just doesn’t make any sense.
So great post!
(BTW; I have only been refused once in Germany, in Köln, the other restaurants always buys my argument when I have explained why. They still think I am strange, but that is OK.
I often ask for a glass of water in a restaurant, because like you I that it’s a basic entitlement that I have if I’m going to pay for food – failure to deliver it with grace will be reflected in the tip they get (or don’t).
If the waiting staff get snooty (for whatever reason), I may feel moved to enlighten them as to the relationship between them and me whilst I sit at the table; they will address me as ‘sir’ whilst I may choose to address them as ‘boy’.
Further snootiness may result in ‘failure to pay the full bill’, repeated complaints about ‘the service/the food/ the menu’ or even a stand-up row.
And does this mean that I am a cheapskate?
Probably!
@Keith agree that it’s always better if it’s offered without asking for it. So rare in Europe.
@Alex good point. It’s usually (but not always) the upmarket places where the staff are more resistant to offering free water. Maybe because they charge so much for a bottle? It does put me off these restaurants, but it also frustrates me. Why would they willingly ruin an otherwise great dining experience by their attitude to a customer’s basic request?
@Ann-Katrin so it’s hard to get tap water in Germany too? And I find it hard to believe the water in Germany is not drinkable. Good for you that you stick to your argument.
@Adam great point. The power of how much/if we tip is our main weapon. But do we remind the waiter of this at the start of the meal for full effect? Unless we mention our power of discretion when we order the water, it might be too late to influence the waiter’s behaviour. Although by the time you’ve shouted ‘boy’ a few times, you might want to play safe and make sure your drink comes out of a sealed bottle!
Thank you all for the great comments.
In France I always asked for a “boteille d ‘eau” (jug) and sometimes in more traditional bistros I didn’t have to, which was also great. Now, in Brasil they never offer that – and if you ask, the do think u are cheap.
The real question isn’t if it is cheap (it is). The real question is “what is wrong with being cheap?”
If you happen to be in a country where you CAN drink the tap water, go for it.
Great post. Asking for tap water is not being cheap for me. It is being environmentally responsible and as you said, bottled water is the same anyway. I also like when restaurants bring water to the table without asking. But a lot of people do not drink this glass of water. I would rather the waiting staff ask if anyone wants water and serve it in small glasses.
Having lived in New York for many years, I always ask for tap water and tip accordingly. Was absolutely horrified when Yo Sushi charged me a £1 a glass for tap water, without even telling me there would be a charge. They put the glasses on the tables with the water and you can help yourself. Then the bill arrives with the charge for however many glasses you use.
Bottled water is one of the most ridiculous things (the exception being an area with unsafe drinking water). It’s extremely wasteful in terms of resources and contrary to popular belief the majority of the bottle does not actually get recycled when you recycle it. Stick to tap water! It’s being environmentally conscious.
You’re absolutely not ‘cheap’ Andy, and I share your point of view. I remember unbelievable costs in France for a ‘mignon’ bottle of Perrier, which meant that over one day drinking mineral water is more expensive (and far less ‘responsible’) and having a bottle of excellent Chablis. However, I wish to add a little point. Although I am a great fan of tap water (I grew in a little village in the Swiss mountains) I must say that in some places tap water is simply awful. A good example in my knowledge is Florence, where water is strongly smelling and tasting chlorine, being full of it! In this case, bottled water is a must! A good (although not very ecological and responsible) habit is to drink tapped water in some countries, as a way to preserve ourselves (I mean European, although I guess it’s almost the same for Americans) from what we call the ‘Montezuma revenge’…) (know what it is???)
Of course, the safety of the drinking water is paramount, something most of us take for granted in much of Europe and North America (with noted exceptions)
Well done Keggy on outing Yo Sushi for their disgraceful practice. No excuse for charging without warning.
What is wrong with being cheap? Good question Gary. I’m ok with cheap (as long as it relates to being budget conscious. I guess it depends who we talk to and in what context. But wherever we are there’s always merit in trying to get good value at the dinner table.
As a former server/waitress in America, I saw this blog and had to comment. I know the situation is different wherever you go, but I absolutely agree that just because you ask for tap water at a restaurant, that doesn’t mean you’re cheap. It means you like to drink water. Water is good for you. It’s healthy. Lemons get rid of the “tap” taste, so water with lemon is a good choice as well. And bottled water is no better than tap water and way worse on the environment. The only time I ever had a problem was when a guest would ask for water with “lots of lemon” and then as soon as I dropped it off at the table I saw them pack the glass with 4 or 5 lemons and pour packets of sugar or Splenda into the water, in an effort to make their own “free lemonade.” This used to drive me crazy, especially if the restaurant I worked at served lemonade. THAT is where I draw the line between cheap and not cheap. Plus it becomes annoying for me to have to fill up your glass with more water every five seconds because it’s so jam packed with lemons that there’s only room for a few sips of liquid.
Anyway, I have gotten off topic. Water is great. I happen to work for a company that sells water filters now, so I know all about the bottled vs. tap water debate and I support those who drink filtered tap water over bottled. I was never snotty to a customer who ordered water (at least not to their face) and I never compromised service because of a drink order. Besides, I found that if you bend over backwards for people who order water (especially since most people are afraid to do so because they might be called a cheapskate), in many cases, they’ll appreciate your kindness and tip you better. Speaking of tips – I’ll just go ahead and throw this out there – you said something about 10 percent in your post. That’s probably right in the UK, because I believe waiters over there are paid a decent hourly wage. But, I want to make sure that everyone knows that servers in America are paid an average of between $2-3 an hour, before tips. After paying taxes, that money is long gone. Here, it is customary to tip at least 20 percent. We rely on tips for our income, and servers are completely underestimated and under-appreciated. The work we do is not easy, especially when we are not guaranteed a stable hourly wage. So if you’re going to order tap water in the U.S. please, please, please plan to tip at least 20 percent of your bill. Actually, do that even if you don’t order water. Thanks! I enjoyed this post.
Thanks Lady Filter. I can see why you get mad at the person who makes their own lemonade – that is cheeky!
I think most of us Europeans do adopt a more generous tipping strategy when in the US. But we don’t like it, and do it through gritted teeth. Nothing against the waiting staff. They deserve to get a decent wage. But we absolutely cannot accept that your employers have been able to get away with paying such criminal salaries. How a system has survived so long where the customer has to compensate the employee for their employers’ disgraceful actions is beyond us. It’s a blemish on many Europeans visit to the US to have to deal with the American exploitation culture in restaurants. Ok, I’ll shut up now, it’s just that you’ve started me off on my own favourite subject…
I find the bottled water a big con and always ask for tap water.
In fact I even ask them for a slice of lemon too-the cheek!
Mind you when am back home in India, please do ask for bottled water and check the seal carefully….
Kash aka @budgettraveller
I am actually a waiter at a restaurant in Chicago. We do not offer bottled water due to the waste of resources and the fact that Chicago has some of the best drinking water in the world. I do not as a habit give water to every diner. It is a waste of my time to do this because many do not touch their water. Water is only available upon request. However, if someone asks I am happy to provide it and to refill it without them asking for a refill.
I always ask only for tap water but in Germany that approach is considered to be rude. I would abide by their cutural norms. I don’t know of any other countries where they are uptight about tap water except where they want to increase the size of your bill and hence their tip. In times of drought however, I have heard of places providing tap water on a request basis only which is fine with me.
actually, I never thought about paying for water before i leave Korea. It’s really standard in Korea. big bottle of water on each table and limitless re-fill. until..probably 5 years ago we don’t drink many fresh water also. We always boiled water and make really light barly tea and drink it like fresh water. cooling it and everything. Now fresh water is really a part of our life but still, we don’t pay for water in the restaurant. Lucky me i guess, right?
In the U.S., 40% of bottled water (most of which is labeled “spring water”) begins life as tap water. The entire industry is a scam. I wrote a lengthy piece about it a while back and after doing the research, decided not to buy bottled water any more. If you’d like to read it, go to: http://holeinthedonut.com/2008/04/23/you-buy-water-in-a-bottle-why/. Of course, I have to make an exception when traveling in Mexico, but that’s a whole different issue. In a review of the nation’s public drinking water infrastructure, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health concluded that, “Reasonably reliable water is currently available to nearly all 270 million U.S. residents.”
Great to hear so many perspectives from around the world. In some countries we need to be careful about the water, and if in doubt I would turn to the bottled stuff (India, Cambodia, Africa as examples). But in the west we have no excuse, and Barbara’s post is an excellent argument for giving up the bottle immediately! Thanks to all for your great contributions
it’s definitely not cheap. It’s definitely more environmentally friendly and in most cases, it is as safe as drinking the (much) more expensive mineral water. And I’m not the type to pay more for branding =)
Great post – only the likes of budget airlines charge for water. It is responsible catering to offer water as it is good for us all. And access to water is a human right, according to the United Nations. It’s just common sense – which from time to time should, and can, override, profits.
I think that you are completely justified for expecting water as a basic part of service in a restaurant. I was a server for years and yet I never begrudged the glass of water – yes, you do everything you can to boost the bill as a server, but at the end of the day, tap water is a right, not a privilege.
Considering the impact of bottled water on the environment, it just galls me that any restaurant would require this ridiculous extravagance.
There’s a great wee restaurant/cafe in Crouch End in London called Banners. They charge for Tap Water. 15p a glass I think. And they donate it to the charity Water Aid. Dead clever I thought. No one seems to mind….
Now that’s a creative way around it – and one that anyone would support. Others should follow their lead. Thanks for sharing Stuart.
Yup here’s the link on the Water Aid site Andy
http://www.wateraid.org/uk/get_involved/corporate_partnerships/tap_into_wateraid/6294.asp
Think there’s about half a dozen restaurants in North London in the scheme now. Am a big fan. Would love to think others might copy it.
Cheers Stuart
ps. Also the best place in London for spotting celebs. Thierry Henry used to have his brekkie there when he played for Arsenal. No one flinched coz most knew nothing about soccerball – I used to stare at him agog…..Cool caff.
Well… in Italy I guess it’s considered cheap – noone asks for tap water.
But it’s also true that bottled water is much more affordable than in US!
I remember overpriced San Pellegrino up to $16/bottle, that’s insane (NYC)!
In Italy you’ll rarely pay a big bottle more than $3 (in a 4 stars hotel…).
I guess that’s why we’re not used to tap water.
Which is funny coz we don’t have the 15-20% tip rule.
Tipping is not compulsory and the amount is up to the customer, without fixed percentages.
$16 does sound insane for a bottle of water, as you say Giulia. But even if it’s $2, perhaps the issue is not the price but the fact that they are selling bottled water at all with all the waste that’s involved rather than the perfectly good stuff that comes from the tap.
Even if a place introduced a service charge for tap water as Stuart suggests, that would be preferable to having to order a bottle.
Stuart, since you posted this I’ve actually been to Banners in Crouch End (courtesy of Alastair McK) – great place and top policy re: tap water. More should do it.
A man of taste. Highly recommend the Banners Potatoes. Special. Yeah they’ve got their water policy spot on, haven’t they.
Cheers
There are times in the summer, during water shortages, when restaurants who normally serve water freely will only do so if you ask. I have no trouble asking for water, especially with three kids.
Brilliant post! I don’t think there is anything wrong with asking for tap water in a restaurant but it does tend to make you feel a bit cheap when you do. I personally can’t tell the difference between bottled and tap water so I’d prefer the tap water every time. I also hate sparkling water and get really annoyed when this is what you are given if you have to buy bottled.
Here in Sweden most restaurants have jugs of water and glasses out on the counter. The water often has ice, lemon or lime in it too. Drinking lots of water is hugely encouraged here. I was even handed an ice-cold glass of water when I was walking down the street on a hot day last week. The Swedes have got the right idea