TasWater is making a splash in time for summer with the launch of its first water bottle refill station, designed to deliver high-quality tap water in public spaces around the state.

In partnership with the JackJumpers, the initiative is championing the use of tap water to reduce reliance on single-use plastics and mitigate their environmental and economic impacts.

One of the first refill stations was unveiled today at the Montrose Foreshore Community Park 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 130kgs 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.

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.”