A new drinking water fountain to promote the refill of reusable bottles rather than single use plastic bottles has been officially opened by Swanage Town Mayor Tina Foster.
Much better than a tap, the new facility on Swanage seafront can fill a 500 millilitre water bottle in under seven seconds with just the push of a button.
Testing the water (left to right) deputy mayor Chris Morten, the mayor’s consort and husband Leslie Parkinson, mayor Tina Foster, visitor services manager Culvin Milmer and councillor Avril Harris
Part funded by a £2,000 grant
The water refill station has been part funded by a £2,000 grant from the marine conservation charity Sea-changers. The charity campaigns to create clean and healthy seas by protecting marine species with the aim of safeguarding our oceans for the future.
The remaining cost, which was mainly the installation, has been met by Swanage Town Council as part of its environmental action plan to increase the sustainability of the area and in particular to help promote the town as a sustainable tourism destination.
Bottles can be refilled quickly at the touch of a button
“Devastating impact on our seas”
Swanage Town Mayor Tina Foster said:
“It’s hoped that the provision of the water refill station will encourage visitors and residents to reuse water bottles and thus help reduce the need for single use plastic, which is having such a devastating impact on our seas.
“Swanage has plastic-free town status and this is another council project that reduces the necessity for single use plastic ”
The refill station was finished in orange specially for Swanage Town Council
“Single use plastic bottles are a real scourge”
Chair of the council’s environmental working group councillor Avril Harris added:
“Single use plastic bottles are a real scourge, especially in seaside towns like Swanage, where they easily float out to sea.
“Simple practical measures like refilling a water bottle are so much better for the environment and save money too!”
A few last minute adjustments to get it working
Painted orange specially for Swanage Town Council
The water fountain was painted orange specially for Swanage Town Council and is the only orange one of this type in the UK. It was at the request of the Swanage Town Council’s visitor services manager Culvin Milmer. He said:
“Making the water refill station orange means that people can easily spot it, which helps to encourage its use.
“There are of course lots of drinking water taps around the town but this really looks like a drinks dispenser and can fill a bottle quickly, which is great for those out on a run.”
Further information
- More about Sea-changers is on its website
- Swanage Town Council’s environment policy action plan
