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| Photo by Hilary Halliwell on Pexels |
Welcome back to July's UBC. This month I'm going to be talking about cultural differences between Switzerland and the USA.
Today's topic is simply "Water".
From the fountain here in Switzerland literally means that you can drink the water from public fountains, and it will be of excellent quality. Many people like to fill their water bottles with water from the fountain. These fountains are not just decorative; they are an integral part of Swiss life, symbolizing the country’s commitment to providing clean, accessible drinking water to all.
A significant portion of Swiss tap water comes from natural springs, glaciers, and well-protected groundwater sources in the Alps. These sources provide exceptionally pure and clean water with minimal contamination. The natural filtration through the Alpine rocks also helps in maintaining an ideal mineral balance. This pristine water is a point of pride for the Swiss, who are very conscious of environmental preservation and sustainability.
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| Photo by Christian Buergi on Pexels |
Swiss culture places a high value on cleanliness and purity, which extends to our water supply systems. Except in exceptionally hot, dry summers, we never have to save water. However, I remember that for some time in 2019 it was forbidden to wash the car or water the lawn. This was an unusual measure due to the exceptionally hot and dry conditions that summer, which affected water availability even in a water-rich country like Switzerland.
Strict regulations prevent industrial and agricultural pollutants from contaminating water supplies.
Unfortunately, tap water in Swiss restaurants often costs the same as if you had ordered mineral water from a well-known brand like Henniez, Evian, or San Pellegrino Aqua Panna, which is the famous Italian mineral water without gas. Most people, however, prefer San Pellegrino, the sparkling kind. Yes, sparkling mineral water is a huge thing in the German-speaking world.
In the USA, the approach to drinking water is quite different. Tap water quality can vary significantly from one region to another. In many areas, it is heavily chlorinated to ensure it is safe to drink, which can affect the taste. As a result, many Americans prefer to drink bottled water or use water filters at home to improve the taste of their tap water. Public drinking fountains, once common, are now less frequently used, partly due to concerns about water quality and partly because of changing public habits.
Another notable difference is the use of ice in water. In the USA, it’s common for water to be served with ice in restaurants and homes, whereas in Switzerland, water is typically served at room temperature or chilled without ice.
If you ask for ice, you may get two or three ice cubes ;-)
When it comes to drink sizes, there's another noticeable difference. In Switzerland, drinks are typically served in smaller portions compared to the USA. In Swiss restaurants and cafes, you’ll usually find drink sizes like 3 deciliters (dl) or 5 dl, which equate to about 10 and 17 ounces respectively. For example, the largest soft drink size at a Swiss McDonald’s or Burger King is typically around 5 dl (17 oz), much smaller than the "large" or "extra-large" sizes in the USA, where beverages can be 32 oz (almost 1 liter) or more.
At Starbucks in Switzerland, the largest size available is the Venti, which is 20 oz (about 6 dl), whereas in the USA, they offer a larger size called Trenta, which is 31 oz (almost 1 liter). This reflects different consumption habits and cultural attitudes towards portion sizes.
Also, there is no such thing as free refills in Switzerland.
One more thing: In a Swiss café or restaurant you will always get our beverage in an actual glass.
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| Photo by Ksenia Chernaya on Pexels |
Plastic cups are only being provided in typical to-go places like, you guessed right, American chains.
This reflects broader cultural differences in how each country approaches not just water, but beverages in general.
Moreover, the environmental consciousness in Switzerland is also evident in the widespread use of reusable water bottles. It’s common to see people refilling their bottles at public fountains or designated refill stations. In the USA, while this practice is growing, disposable plastic bottles are still widely used, though there is increasing awareness and efforts to reduce plastic waste.
On that note, keep hydrated, my friends!
Thankful for my filter at home.
ReplyDeleteTo me there is nothing better than a cold glass of water! That is my beverage of choice, I hardly every have soda and never have sweet tea anymore. It's water, whether with or without ice. When I was young we lived in an area that had sulfur water. We didn't know the difference and the entire family drank it.....except one of my uncles from the "big city" always brought a thermos of water when visiting! Thanks for the interesting facts Tamara, I'll be set when I visit Switzerland!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of those public fountains with drinkable water - that's so cool and eco-friendly. And it's awesome how the Swiss are so conscious about their water sources and keeping them clean. I totally get what you mean about the cultural differences in portion sizes and refills - it's wild how different it can be! As someone who's pretty eco-conscious myself, I always carry my own reusable water bottle and coffee cup when I'm out and about here in the US. It's my small way of fighting against all the single-use plastics we see everywhere.
ReplyDeleteOh I wish we could drink the tap water here in Chicago! I envy you. We have filters on the kitchen facets, and in the fridge. I don't even water my plants with it, because of the anti-microbial chemicals in there. We collect the rain water in a barrel. We carry bottled water everywhere. In the summer we can only use outdoor water every other day with water restrictions. You are so lucky and blessed to have that clean glacial water!
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