Take Back the Tap

Goals

The goal of this project is to build trust in state and national water quality standards and increase access to high quality tap water, leading to the reduction to single-use plastics used for drinking water. 

Take Back the Tap is an initiative dedicated to reshaping perceptions of tap water, reducing single-use plastic consumption, and promoting water justice. By encouraging reliance on tap water instead of bottled water and filters, the project will protect the environment and strengthen confidence in public water systems. 

Take Back the Tap addresses the behavioral and perceived barriers that prevent people from using tap water such as misconceptions about safety, taste, or reliability. Bhavya Uniyal, serving as Outreach and Marketing Coordinator, provides individuals with factual information about California’s high water quality standards, which often exceed federal Environmental Protection Agency requirements.

Take Back the Tap also collaborates with other UCSB organizations to organize a variety of interactive campus events such as the Rethink Your Drink Game Day co-hosted with CalFresh Healthy Living, which created awareness on excess sugar consumption and hydration. Currently a program under the Sustainability Internships and Community Resources Department, Take Back the Tap hopes to transition into a registered campus organization in the future.