U.S. Agency for International Development--Purchase of Bottled Drinking Water

The Agency for International Development (AID) requested a decision regarding whether the Office of Inspector General (OIG) could use appropriated funds to pay for a commercial bottled drinking water service for its employees, since the water available in its building's plumbing system was discolored, had an unusual color and taste, and contained elevated lead levels. GAO held that OIG could use appropriated funds to purchase the bottled water for AID employees until it: (1) adequately corrects its building's water problems; and (2) proves that the building's water is safe. Accordingly, OIG could use appropriated funds to purchase bottled drinking water.