TasWater has launched new sustainable water bottle refill stations, designed to deliver high-quality tap water in public spaces around the state.
In partnership with the JackJumpers, TasWater said the initiative is championing the use of tap water to reduce reliance on single-use plastics and mitigate its environmental and economic impacts.
Among the first refill stations to be unveiled was at the Montrose Foreshore Community Park. The event was attended by TasWater General Manager Customer and Community, Matt Balfe, alongside Glenorchy City Council Mayor, Sue Hickey, and JackJumpers mascot, Jack the Jumper.
“Tasmanians spend an estimated $15.7 million on bottled water each year, and on average, each person sends 130kg of single-use plastic to landfill,” Mr Balfe said.
“Over the next three months, TasWater is delivering 30 new water refill stations around Tasmania, partnering with local councils to provide easy access to free, high-quality drinking water in busy parks and town centres.
“By making it easier for Tasmanians to ‘Be a Refiller, not a Landfiller’, we hope to significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste entering our waterways and landfills.”
Ms Hickey welcomed the initiative, emphasising its positive environmental impact.
“By reducing Tasmania’s reliance on single-use plastics, we hope to prevent as much plastic as possible from entering the environment while providing a valuable community service,” Ms Hickey said.
“Glenorchy City Council has some of the most beautiful green spaces in the state and by reducing single-use plastic, we are also helping to reduce litter in these public areas.”
Mr Balfe said plastics were among the most common forms of debris found in waterways, and research suggested that by 2050, there could be more plastic than fish in the ocean.
“We’re asking all Tasmanians, why drink single-use bottled water when some of Australia’s highest quality and best tasting water is available on tap,” he said.
“We encourage all Tasmanians to not leave home without their sustainable, refillable water bottle and to help us reduce our dependence on single-use plastic.”
For refill station locations, visit yoursay.taswater.com.au/refiller
