Following a recent announcement that bottled water will be served at the 57th Presidential Inauguration, the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) is urging Congress to reconsider this selection and offer tap water as the clean and affordable option, minus the environmental harm.

Today, DC Water General Manager George S. Hawkins delivered to Senator Chuck Schumer, Chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, a letter urging the Committee to support the nation’s drinking water systems by serving local DC tap water during the inauguration. DC Water is also offering reusable water bottles to members of Congress for convenience during the inaugural events and to demonstrate support for tap water and the environment.

DC Water and utilities across the country enable communities to confidently and reliably drink from their taps. Hundreds of water samples are tested each week throughout the District to meet public health standards set by Congress. DC tap water is about a penny per gallon, while bottled water costs 100 times more. If costly, environmentally harmful bottled water is served, DC Water encourages the Committee to provide attendees with a choice by offering DC tap water, too.

See the Letter to Chairman Chuck Schumer and a Joint Letter sent by Corporate Accountability International.