In bid to cut down on single use plastics, free water top ups now available locally

With tempertures expected to reach into the mid and high 30's this week there have been health warnings issued and much advice about keeping hydrated.

With ever increasing concerns over the use of plastics, new drinking water fountains can be found in Ealing as part of project that will see 100 set up around London.

Thames Water is calling the rollout the biggest single-use plastic reduction initiative in any UK city, offering an alternative to buying bottled water.

Plastic bottles make up 10% of all litter found in the River Thames, and Thames Water research estimates the average Londoner buys more than three plastic water bottles every week. That equates to 175 a year, less than half of which are recycled, according to RecycleNow.

The two new fountains in Ealing, now up and running are at the Hanwell Clock Tower and Melbourne Avenue, and can be easily spotted with a big blue water drop above.The remainder of the water fountains will be fitted throughout this summer.

Steve Spencer, chief operating officer at Thames Water, said: “London’s tap water is world class and we’re celebrating this by building a network of water fountains so it’s even more accessible to people on the move. 

Thames Water said in an independent taste test carried out this year, many consumers were unable to tell the difference between Thames Water’s tap water and bottled water.

Mr Spencer said: “Tap water is incredible value for money and just as good as bottled water but without the plastic packaging so we want people to enjoy it by using the fountains. 

“Together we can all drive down plastic waste from single-use water bottles, helping to care for our rivers and oceans, now and for generations to come.”

There is already a drinking fountain at Lammas Park which was provided for by the community arm of the Ealing Half Marathon - the not for profit EHM Legacy company.

Written with contributions from Ged Cann LDRS reporter

24 July 2019