New water stations helping reduce single-use plastic
Published on 23 November 2021
Seven new water fountains are being installed across the City of Maribyrnong to help residents accessing outdoor spaces stay hydrated in a sustainable way, thanks to a collaboration with Greater Western Water (GWW).
The Choose Tap program allows residents to safely and easily quench thirst by filling up their reusable drink bottles when out and about, promoting healthy and sustainable choices and making it easy to take action on single-use plastic.
Most water stations also include a bowl, which is close to the ground for thirsty four-legged friends, and can be filled with fresh water when the foot button is pushed.
As part of the first phase of the collaboration, brand new wheelchair-accessible water stations will first appear at Yarraville Oval, McIvor Reserve, and Anglers Rest, near the Anglers Tavern on Chifley Drive, Maribyrnong. Further stations will be follow at Hansen Reserve, Thompson Reserve, Henry Turner South Pavilion, and Beaton Reserve.
Residents can either drink directly from the water fountains or fill up their water bottle from the contactless nozzle. An inbuilt system monitors the amount of water used at each site and provides Council with sustainability information such as water consumption and the reduction in single-use plastic.
Approximately 1,440 single-use plastic bottles are sent to landfill every minute in Australia. By carrying a reusable drink bottle we can help to protect our environment, reduce single-use plastic and save money on purchasing bottled water.
GWW is part of the national Choose Tap network of water retailers and councils, working together to support community access to free tap water while also protecting the environment from damage from single-use plastics.
The program supports Council’s Towards Zero Waste Strategy, which outlines its approach to reducing single-use plastic and other waste, and also Council’s Climate Emergency Strategy, particularly in providing more accessible drinking water to the community.
For more information about the Towards Zero Waste Strategy, visit www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
Message from the Mayor, Cr Anthony Tran
"Council is proud to support the Choose Tap initiative. The installation of these water stations across the municipality is another important step in meeting Council’s Towards Zero Waste Strategy, helping our residents in the face of climate change and continuing Council’s commitment to reducing our impact on the planet. We look forward to our entire community working together to reduce plastic pollution and waste. "
Quote attributable to GWW Managing Director, Maree Lang
“Melbourne is home to some of the world’s best tap water, so it makes sense to grab a reusable water bottle before you leave home and fill it up on the go. It’s a choice that’s not only good for your health - it’s also great for our environment by reducing single-use plastic waste.”
Quote attributable to Member for Footscray Katie Hall
“Single-use plastics are a major hazard for our environment and waterways, and water fountains are a great way to increase access to fresh, clean water and reduce our reliance on single-use bottles. I’m excited about the installation of new water fountains in our area, and commend the work that has gone into achieving this outcome.”
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