Hong Kong Starbucks Draws Water from Public Toilet for Brewing

In the heart of Hong Kong’s financial district, a local Starbucks outlet has come under fire for a highly unusual water sourcing practice. Patrons and hygiene watchdogs were alarmed to learn that employees were collecting water from a men’s public restroom to brew coffee — raising serious questions about sanitation and the ethics of premium pricing.

The Starbucks branch beneath Bank of China Tower in Central was found to be collecting water daily from a restroom over 70 metres away. Employees used a metal water cart to transport the water, which was then filtered before use. Authorities confirmed the practice violates health regulations.

What Exactly Happened at the Central Starbucks?

According to a report by Hong Kong’s Apple Daily, the Starbucks location at the ground floor of Bank of China Tower routinely sent staff to collect water from a labelled “Starbucks-only” tap inside the building’s parking lot men’s restroom. Every day between 9 a.m. and noon, an employee would push a nearly one-metre-tall metal water cart through a staff passage to the restroom located more than 70 metres from the café.

Using a hose, the employee would fill the cart with tap water and wheel it back to the shop. The water was then filtered in-store before being used to brew coffee. In addition, a separate cart was used to transport wastewater back to the restroom for disposal.

Why Was Water Being Taken from a Restroom?

The branch, which opened in 2011, was built without a direct water supply line. According to a Starbucks Hong Kong spokesperson, the nearest available water source provided by building management was the restroom tap. The company stated that the water used was potable and emphasised that the cart’s water tank was sealed, regularly sanitised, and that the water passed through an advanced filtration system before brewing.

Despite these assurances, the choice of water source — a public restroom — raised immediate public concern. Critics pointed out the obvious hygiene risks, especially given the compact and high-traffic nature of such facilities.

How Did Authorities and Management Respond?

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) received a complaint and inspected the location. Officials concluded that the water sourcing method and location were “not in compliance with regulations” and issued a warning to the store, demanding immediate corrective action. Further monitoring was promised.

New China Property Management Limited, which manages Bank of China Tower, clarified that tenants have been informed since leasing began that there is no direct water supply. They reiterated that all food preparation must comply with Hong Kong’s food safety regulations.

In response to the backlash, Starbucks announced on the same Friday that it had stopped using restroom water and switched to distilled water as a temporary measure. The company also stated it is actively searching for a new, appropriate water source. A spokesperson reiterated that no other Starbucks locations in Hong Kong use restroom water.

What Are the Health and Safety Concerns?

Hong Kong Catering Industry Association President Huang Jiahe expressed continued scepticism about the restroom water’s safety. He noted that restrooms inherently harbour bacteria and that standard filtration may not eliminate all pathogens. Common bacteria found in restrooms include E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus — both of which can pose serious health risks if ingested.

While Starbucks maintains that its filtration system ensures water cleanliness, the initial choice of a restroom tap as the water source has irreversibly damaged consumer trust in this particular outlet’s practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Starbucks really use water from a public toilet in Hong Kong?

Yes. A Starbucks location beneath Bank of China Tower in Central, Hong Kong, was found to be collecting water from a men’s restroom in the building’s parking lot. Employees used a metal water cart to transport the water daily between 9 a.m. and noon over a distance of 70 metres. The water was filtered before being used to brew coffee.

Why was the Starbucks using restroom water?

The branch, which opened in 2011, was not supplied with a direct water line. Starbucks said the nearest available water source was the “Starbucks-only” tap in the restroom. The company claimed it used an advanced filtration system and regularly cleaned the water tank, but public backlash was immediate due to obvious hygiene concerns.

What did the Hong Kong authorities do about it?

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department inspected the site after receiving a complaint. They found the water sourcing method and location non-compliant with health regulations, issued a warning, and ordered immediate changes. The department stated it would continue to monitor the situation.

Has Starbucks stopped using water from the restroom?

Yes. On the same Friday the issue was reported, Starbucks announced it had ceased using restroom water and switched to distilled water temporarily. The company is now looking for a permanent, suitable alternative water source and reiterated no other locations follow this practice.

What bacteria are commonly found in restrooms?

Common bacteria found in restrooms include Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (Staph). These pathogens can cause serious illness if ingested, and while filtration can reduce risk, it may not eliminate all harmful microbes — especially in high-traffic facilities.

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