BBC splashes out on bottled water

BBC splashes out on bottled water

The BBC is assessing 'health issues' of tap water after a freedom of information request revealed cost to licence fee payers.

The BBC has been accused of wasting public money and creating unnecessary environmental damage by spending nearly half a million pounds a year on bottled water. Responding to a freedom of information request from the Guardian, the public broadcaster said it spent £406,000 annually on large bottles for its water coolers.

In addition, BBC staff are allowed to order bottled water for the organisation's hospitality events. The BBC refused to reveal how much it did spend on bottled water at the 103,000 events it held last year, claiming the cost of finding out was more than the Freedom of Information Act required.

BBC accused of wasting £406,000 of public money a year on bottled water (The Guardian, 11 August 2009)