This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Thirsty DWP turns to Sparkletts
We're as stunned as Laura Chick at the news that the LA DWP -- the tidy acronym for "Department of Water and Power" -- was buying bottled water for its offices, even as it spent a half-million dollars to promote how safe and delicious its tap water is to drink. We love it when the LA Times does local news like this.
Just how much water does $31,160 buy over two years? Records show it was both for in-office coolers and bottled water for employees in the field. If everything were equal, each month that would be about 60 5-gallon jugs in the office, and 110 cases of water. So in the field, that's 2,640 bottles of water a month. Hmm. That's a lot of water, but there are a lot of people who work for the DWP.
In 1995 Mayor Riordan -- whose home address is in Bel Air -- memo'd: "The city's tap water satisfies most needs, and bottled water should not be provided ordinarily at city expense." We agree. There's no reason why tax dollars should buy bottled water for the people who bring us the stuff from the tap. Besides, when you cool it off, it's delicious. The DWP can buy some nice coolers that use tap water to keep people in the office refreshed.
And for those in the field, why not have some fun? We suggest the DWP buy a bunch of vintage thermoses on eBay and let their big burly guys carry cool tap water in non-disposable bottles. Isn't everyone's day brightened by a little Snoopy?
We imagine at the DWP today, they're not in a vintage thermos mood. Instead they're probably wringing their hands and reciting Coleridge:
Water, water, every where,
Nor any drop to drink.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
