Being told I can't drink water at my desk!

I am a computer programmer and have to work at my computer all day long.  The only time I am not at my desk is for meetings or to go to the bathroom.  There has always been a policy of no food or drink at our desks, but no one has really enforced this since most of us just keep water at our desks.  Now we are being told that even water is off limits, and I was told I have to "fill up at lunch".  I tried explaining that this is not possible since I've had surgery and cannot hold more than a couple ounces in my stomach at any one time.  I also explained that if I do not stay hydrated throughout the day that it could become a medical emergency.  Now I am petitioning to move to an area where I would be allowed to have water and I have requested documentation from my doctor to support it.
I'm just being told that finding a new workspace for me is "in the works" but I have not received a committment yet.

Has anyone else had this problem?  If so, what was the solution? 

Ridiculous.

With a doctor's note, you should be fine - but what the heck?  You need to come work for my employer.  We're much more laid back and always looking for good talent.

Employers have to make reasonable accommodations for medical conditions.  Either let you have water at your desk or allow you to take more frequent breaks to drink someplace else until they create a new workspace for you.

Get something in writing from your surgeon that it is medical necessary.  Let them try to stop you then?  Can we say lawsuit?

This is nuts....for so many reasons?   They think if you are not drinking then you will take less bathroom breaks.

Take care,
Kathy

I am a 911 dispatcher and work with computers 10-12hrs/shift.  We have a policy at our center that we can only have closed cover cups a t the consoles, not pop cans, coffee mugs etc.

Try to see if you can swing that.

Good luck.

That is a good idea!  In fact, I can propose we get those "no spill" covered cups for everyone.  It really isn't fair to not be able to drink water, even to those folks who do not have a medical condition.

I would think that if you would send a copy of a letter from your doctor to your supervisor and the HR Department they would have to apply by his wishes.  This is a medical necessity and should not be taken lightly. 

Can't even keep it in your purse or in a drawer?

yikes! That's terrible.

What if you propose to use a closed cover bottle with a straw? Like a Nalgene bottle that has a flip up/down straw. That way you can be at your desk, and the area can be protected from spills.

At least until they get you a new work space. That's horrible. :(