In recent years, more food and beverage (F&B) establishments in Singapore have begun charging customers for a basic necessity: plain water. According to a Straits Times report, the proportion of eateries charging for water doubled between 2013 and 2015, rising to around 10%¹. A 2018 survey of eateries at VivoCity revealed that over half charged between 30 cents and $1 for a glass of tap water². This trend—driven by operational costs and drink sales strategies—is becoming normalised.

We believe it is time to reverse this practice. In a country where tap water is clean, safe, and abundantly available, it is unjustified to restrict access to tap water—especially in establishments that already impose a 10% service charge. We urge the Singapore Government to mandate that dine-in F&B establishments provide free-flow tap water to all customers at no additional cost.

 
Public Health Perspective:

• Singaporeans consume an average of 2,410 kilocalories daily, with 61% exceeding their recommended intake in 2022³.
• Drinking water during meals helps promote satiety and may reduce food portions consumed, supporting healthier calorie control.
• The Health Promotion Board (HPB) has launched initiatives such as “Siu Dai by Default” and Nutri-Grade to reduce sugar intake and encourage water consumption⁴.
• Making plain water readily available reinforces these public health efforts and discourages the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.

Environmental Perspective:

• Singapore leads the world in per capita bottled water consumption at 1,129 litres per person per year⁵.
• Reducing bottled water sales by offering tap water can significantly lower single-use plastic waste and environmental harm.

Economic Perspective:

• Tap water in Singapore is potable and inexpensive.
• F&B outlets that already levy a service charge can easily absorb the negligible cost of providing plain water.
• Charging for basic drinking water may coerce customers into purchasing beverages, undermining both health and consumer fairness.

Recommendation:

Mandate that all dine-in F&B establishments that impose a service charge provide free-flow tap water to customers at no charge. This strikes a fair balance between business sustainability and public interest.

By signing this petition, we advocate for a healthier, more environmentally responsible, and consumer-conscious dining culture in Singapore.

 
References:

1. The Straits Times. More eateries charging for glass of water. 2015.
   https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/more-eateries-charging-for-glass-of-water
2. MustShareNews. These S’pore Restaurants Charge You For Tap Water. 2018.
   https://mustsharenews.com/free-tap-water
3. Health Promotion Board. National Nutrition Survey 2022 Report.
   https://www.hpb.gov.sg/docs/default-source/pdf/nns-2022-report.pdf
4. Health Promotion Board. Siu Dai by Default campaign and Nutri-Grade policy.
   https://www.hpb.gov.sg/newsroom/article/siu-dai-by-default-a-national-movement-to-reduce-sugar-in-beverages
5. EFE News Agency. Singapore leads world in bottled water consumption per capita. 2023.
   https://efe.com/en/latest-news/2023-03-22/singapore-leads-world-in-bottled-water-consumption-per-capita