Help UNICEF By Paying For Your Tap Water

“Sparkling, still, or D.C.’s finest?” It’s the no longer particularly funny question that serves as a standard start to many a dinner out. I always go for the latter; I’m not paying for San Pellegrino in this or any economy. But next week, even the tap water is going to cost you. That's if you care to make a small donation for it.

From March 22 - 28, over 100 local restaurants have signed on with TAP DC, part of UNICEF’s national Tap Project. They’ll ask patrons to donate $1 (or more for big spenders) for a glass of DC’s finest. Free refills? We guess that’s up to you. The promotion doesn't call for $5 for 5 glasses, though if you pay by the pour, UNICEF is unlikely to complain. But just the one dollar can provide 40 liters—40 days worth—of clean drinking water for a child who needs it.

Similar efforts will take place across the country next week in conjunction with World Water Week. The clever Turn a Glass of Water into Something Beautiful awareness raising campaign for the week features posters with sets of water glasses with different images inside them, much like the donkeys and elephants around town. Ads with the glasses have appeared on buses and metro stations, and several more of the drawings will be on display during the week at the Edison Gallery.

UNICEF allocates the money raised to the countries they deem most in need, last year funding projects in Belize, Cote d’Ivoire, Iraq, and Nicaragua. The Tap Project started in New York in 2007 and now runs in 20 American cities. Only New York has more participating restaurants than the District. And while other cities may be turning a glass of water into something beautiful in concept, it’s only D.C. that buffers the week with a community art campaign and art exhibit.