Starbucks Wasting Water?

ATLANTA -- Conservationists are taking aim at Starbucks after an investigative report from a UK newspaper, The Sun, alleged the coffee company uses 6 million gallons of water a day.

That breaks down to an estimated 600 gallons being used per day at each of its 10,000 stores. That is hard for some to fathom, given that Metro Atlanta is in the midst of a severe drought.

Starbucks spokesperson, Tara Darrow, confirms that all of Starbucks 10,000 stores use what?s called a dipper well to clean spoons and other utensils. It requires a constant stream of water running into a sink where the utensils sit when they?re not being used.

"It keeps the utensils clean, prevents bacterial growth and stops allergen cross-contamination?, said Darrow.

The general manager of Atlanta-based Aurora Coffee, Mark Basehore, begs to differ. At that company?s two stores, employees use boiling water that comes from the espresso machines to rinse their spoons, then wipe them with a bleach and water mixture and store them in a separate holding cup.
"It?s been the common practice for us since I can remember. We?ve been in the coffee business for a good 17 years. It is common sense so we just go with that,? said Basehore.

When asked if Aurora Coffee would ever use dipper wells, Basehore quickly said no.

"It?s not good for the environment. It?s not good for Atlanta, especially when we?re in a drought," said Basehore.

In fact, even customers 11Alive talked to seem perplexed that a company that seems to pride itself on being environmentally friendly is using that much water.

"600 gallons a day? That?s a lot of water. Especially considering that I?m not even allowed to wash my car. And think, there is a Starbucks on almost every corner," said Starbucks customer Warren Vigus.

In its mission statement on it?s website, Starbucks lists "instilling environmental responsibility as a corporate value." Darrow admits there have been questions about the dipper wells since the investigative report came out.

"We are actively looking for solutions, but haven?t found any that meet our needs better," said Darrow.

Regular customers like Dave Kochamba aren?t convinced.

"I personally think there are other ways to keep things sterilized and help us save water," said Kochamba.