Part 1/11:
The Cost of Water at Restaurants: A Deep Dive into a Growing Debate
The scene is familiar: dining out often comes with unexpected charges, and water—seemingly an essential part of any meal—has become a contentious point. Conversations with everyday diners reveal a shared sentiment: most now expect to pay for water, whether in the form of a small fee or by purchasing bottled or premium filtered water. A recent social media poll further emphasizes the shift, with 38% of respondents almost always paying for water and 45% sometimes charged, illustrating how commonplace this practice has become.