Maybe the employee thought that you were referring to bottled water. THAT in particular cost $1.00. Otherwise, be specific and ask for a "water cup," and then they won't charge you.

you should keep a plastic coffee mug in your purse or if you don't carry a purse hook it on your hip or belt and go in the restroom and get your water from the sink or in a pinch from the commode (flush it 1st) the waters is colder then strut around in the dining part drinking your free water! that will show them

I want to thank you for coming forward with your story, it's important that we put our accounts out there so everyone can see what places like these are doing to the public. Sure, your lone account may not make a huge difference, but it is very useful for establishing a case history. It doesn't matter to me that this happened to you months ago, at least you are now coming forward. Many rape victims and victims of sexual assault do not immediately tell their story, but when they see others coming forward, it helps them to work up the courage to come forth. And putting it all together helps make each victim more credible. I would like to suggest that you be careful when McDonalds employees try to charge you for things like water and condiments, because they probably aren't ringing the items up, but instead just pocketing your money. One dollar isn't a lot, but after they perpetrate this crime on countless victims each hour, each day and each week, it can really add up for them. If you do choose to pay for something that should be free, make sure you get an itemized receipt. Another thing I can recommend is that you call McDonald's corporate office, and get yourself some free coupons in the mail. Then make sure you cash them in at the offending location.

Actually, It happened back in august. Though the day before I posted this, me and a friend of mine were looking up ripoffs. So then the next day, I was just thinking of times when I've been ripped off and thought about how McDonald's wouldn't give me my free water. And yes, they legally have to provide free water. It's a corporate policy set by the original owners. It's main purpose was so poor people could get water, but hey. I don't need to be poor to get free things. If I can get my free water, I WANT IT FREE. No one will take that away from me.

This must be a joke. If the OP is serious, then I am truly worried for the future of our country.

First of all, this report was posted in late February, 2009. The OP said that he went in on a hot summer day so that means this incident happened six to eight months ago at the very least or possibly years before. It's difficult to believe that anybody would be so upset over being charged for water that they would complain about it months or years later.

Secondly, how did McDonald's rip you off? They are not obligated to provide you with a free cup of water, particularly if you are not buying anything else. They exist to sell you something. Now you might come back and say that you eat at that McDonald's frequently and that they ought to have compassion and give you a cup of water on a hot day. That's fine, but it's not a ripoff if they choose to charge you for it.