Bottled water at Mayo...why?

What a great question to pose. I am participating in the EcoChallenge and one of the daily challenges I chose to participate in was drinking from a reusable water bottle vs disposing of a plastic water bottle. Convenience has made plastic water bottles a bad habit for me. But in the next two weeks, I will try to make a new habit by using my cool HR bottle. Another positive outcome is I have to walk a bit to get to the ice and water machine in my building. 🙂

I agree with @mmoore: the use of bottled water at Mayo is definitely shocking when there are so many fountains and bottle fill stations available. Additionally, I am wondering if there is anything we can do to decrease the use of bottled water at catered lunches. Whenever I go to a seminar with lunch provided it seems as though bottled water is included in the beverage selection. I wish we could have the option of a water pitcher and cups!

Some people are concerned about the fluoride added to drinking water (and fearful of the toxic effects of fluoride on brain cells). A recent Harvard publication outlines this concern, along with an examination of research conducted (initial research studies were deeply flawed). To find the article, search "Harvard Public Health" and "Is Fluoridated Drinking Water Safe?"

My own dentist gave me feedback that our toothpaste gives us enough fluoride to prevent cavities, we needn't also drink it. ... provided you're brushing your teeth. 🙂

I'm also worried about the amount of bottles we use, but I'm unresolved about drinking fluoride-water as the better alternative.

I agree and do not agree at the same time. I know I'm an enigma!
I do not like the waste of the plastic bottles, it seems that fresh water is the best thing for the human body. But the companies that produce bottled water have ZERO guidelines to follow regarding its purity. With that said, most companies do run the water thru commercial filters to remove most contaminants. But then its put into a plastic bottle made by another manufacturer who will use the cheapest alternative available. There are things in the bottles makeup that will leach into the water after even short periods of time. That's my rant about bottled water.
Water at Mayo may be tested constantly and it may be of the best quality possible, but as another pointed out, fluoride, chlorine, and other chemicals are used to clean the water and are not tested for. Also the water runs thru machines and pipes to get to your cup. Who tests those? There is one machine outside my office and I refuse to drink out of that. It has not been cleaned in what looks to be years. There are filters connected to the pipes, but again, those have not been changed in years. And the water itself is terrible tasting. So I know it isn't clean.

So it seems we must choose our devil, unless you are lucky enough to have an artesian well on your property!

I’d encourage you to reach out to your site Facilities group if you have concerns about a specific water fountain or if you notice something off about the water from a tap (smell, color, etc.). They can respond to ensure there isn’t a localized problem. Interestingly, Mayo Clinic weighed in on the tap water versus bottled water debate: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/tap-vs-bottled-water/faq-20058017.

Personally, I’m in agreement with @mmoore that the environmental impacts from bottled water are significant and wasteful, not to mention expensive. If taste or quality of water are concerns for you, there are now reusable water bottles with filters.

I have a water fountain by my desk and the spout is corroded and white and green and people still drink out of it. it also is really loud like a motor cycle on idle when anyone uses it.

Hi Wanda, I encourage you to report that to Facilities so they check it out (alert them to both of those issues). Thanks!

I have been for two years

Hmmmm...I'll reach out to you via messaging to get some details about your location.

Bottled water eh?? I Love the new Dasani berry flavored water!! Whose with me???