You can thank Californiaās severe drought for a change in what used to be a standard restaurant practice: bringing a glass of water to the table as soon as a diner sat down. Under a state rule that took effect March 30, servers are prohibited from serving water unless the customer requests it.Ā
Whether or not the new regulation will actually conserve water, most restaurants would rather comply than face a warning or fine orāworse yetāthe wrath of a finger-wagging customer.Ā
āWe are definitely complying with the new reg,ā says David English, owner-chef at midtownās The Press Bistro, where diners are served chilled carafes they pour themselves. āIt adds a step of service for us, but it hasnāt been that much of a change.ā
English, however, is skeptical the new rule will amount to much water being saved. āThe reality is that 98 percent of people are still drinking water, which they shouldāitās healthy,ā he says. āMaybe people will be conscious of having a second carafe, but I donāt think itās going to have a huge impact.āĀ
He has a point. Considering the amount of water used in the back of the house (for dishwashing, rinsing fruits and vegetables, mopping floors, operating restrooms), a modest reduction in water used for drinking might be more political than pragmatic.Ā
Greg Foster, general manager at The Waterboy, reports that his customers have welcomed the change. āThe responses that we are getting are very positive because it is quite serious,ā he says. āIt has been embraced wholeheartedly by locals and visitors alike.ā
As for how the water rule has affected service, Foster says the shift has been seamless. āWeāre already in the process of taking care of everybody anyway and asking what they would like, so itās just part of the repertoire.ā
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