<p> EC 9/05/12 Paper 3.11</p><p>The University of Edinburgh</p><p>Estates Committee [EC]</p><p>9 May 2012</p><p>Drinking Water Policy – Revised</p><p>Brief description of the paper</p><p>The Drinking Water Policy endorsed by Court in May 2009 has been revised in the light of experience and has been informed by advice received from the consultant authorising engineer for water. The revised policy was presented at the University Health and Safety Committee for consultation on the 5 of April 2012. </p><p>Action requested</p><p>EC is invited to note and endorse the revised Drinking Water Policy </p><p>Resource implications</p><p>Does the paper have resource implications? No</p><p>Risk Assessment</p><p>Does the paper include a risk analysis? No</p><p>Equality and Diversity</p><p>Does the paper have equality and diversity implications? No</p><p>Freedom of information</p><p>Can this paper be included in open business? Yes</p><p>Originator of the paper</p><p>Joe Brannigan Health & Safety Officer Estates & Building 2 May 2012</p><p>Page 1 of 2 EC 9/05/12 Paper 3.11</p><p>Drinking Water Policy - Revised</p><p>Drinking Water Provision in University Buildings</p><p>A drinking water policy was approved on the 29th of May 2009 by the University Court. The objective of the policy had been to clarify the position regarding supplies of drinking water to university buildings and eliminate freestanding bottled water coolers altogether. Three years further on it is appropriate to review the policy in the light of guidance, experience and best practice. Substantial progress has been made towards the elimination of freestanding bottled water coolers and a comprehensive program to improve water infrastructure undertaken by Estates and Buildings.</p><p>A revised policy has now been prepared and is reproduced below for information and endorsement by the committee. A revised drinking water guidance note will be prepared to accompany the policy. </p><p>Drinking Water Policy 2012</p><p>1. Free-standing Bottled Water Coolers should normally not be located on University premises. Existing units should be removed unless there is a compelling safety case.</p><p>2. Staff should draw off water for drinking from cold water taps, with the exception of those in toilets and laboratories or where warning signage has been installed. If chilled water is required tap water should be placed in a fridge to cool.</p><p>3. Caterers serving University premises should no longer provide bought-in bottled water. Drinking water for meetings and events should be provided in jugs filled from the tap. These may be cooled in a fridge beforehand if the weather is very hot.</p><p>4. Only in exceptional circumstances should Plumbed-in Water Coolers be installed. Only approved units must be installed and under supervision of Estates & Buildings with installation and running cost paid by requesting School or admin unit.</p><p>5. Testing of potability of water will be undertaken in the event of any concerns being raised on grounds of taste, colour or smell.</p><p>Joe Brannigan Health & Safety Adviser Estates & Building 2 May 2012</p><p>Page 1 of 2</p>