In many parts of the world, "free" water provided in restaurants and public spaces is actually a legal or regulatory requirement rather than a charitable act. In the UK and parts of Europe, any establishment that serves alcohol is legally required to provide free tap water to patrons upon request. In the U.S., while there is no federal law, many local health codes require restaurants to provide potable water to ensure public health and safety. The "cost" of the water, the glass, and the labor to wash it is typically absorbed into the restaurant's general overhead or "hidden" in the prices of the food and other beverages. Public water fountains are funded by municipal taxes and utility fees, justified as a basic human necessity and a way to reduce plastic waste and heat-related illnesses. Essentially, "free" water is a public good supported by a mix of consumer rights laws and social infrastructure.