Starbucks turns off water taps after Sun investigation

by Nikki Sandison, Brand Republic 10-Oct-08, 10:35

LONDON - Starbucks is switching off its cold taps after an investigation by The Sun newspaper revealed that they were left running constantly, wasting 23m litres of water a day.

The coffee chain giant said that from today all Starbucks UK and Ireland stores will switch off the 'dipper well' tap and will wash spoons after use, as an "interim operational procedure".

Starbucks, which boasts of its green credentials, came under fire from environmental groups after The Sun revealed on Monday that every Starbucks branch has a cold tap behind the counter, which is left running constantly.

The tap provides water for a 'dipper well' sink used for washing spoons and utensils, but staff were banned from turning the water off under health and safety rules.

The policy covered all of its 10,000 outlets worldwide, meaning that 23.4m litres of water were wasted every day.

Starbucks has thanked The Sun for emphasising the need to resolve the issue, which it claims to have been looking at for some time.

A spokesperson for Starbucks said: "Stores will be instructed to switch off the dipper well tap and will wash spoons after use. In this way we can ensure that we balance UK and Ireland food hygiene requirements with water conservation.

"Starbucks continues to strive to look at ways to reduce our water consumption going forward."

Jacob Tompkins, director of water consumption action group Waterwise, said: "We believe that this is a highly effective interim solution, which balances water saving and hygiene standards.

"Starbucks' prompt action on this matter is commendable and shows its commitment to improving its environmental practices."