At TasWater, we believe every drop counts – not just in what comes out of the tap, but in how we protect our environment for future generations.

This World Environment Day (Wednesday, 5 June), the global spotlight is on plastic pollution. From microplastics in oceans to overflowing landfills, plastic waste has become one of the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges. But the solutions don’t have to be complicated – they can start with a simple refill.

That’s the idea behind our Be a Refiller, not a Landfiller program.

Launched in 2024 with the support of the Tasmania JackJumpers and 16 local councils, this initiative aims to make it easier for Tasmanians to choose reusable bottles over single-use plastic. Today, there are 32 all-abilities water refill stations in busy public spaces across the state – from playgrounds and parks to stadiums and town centres.

These stations make it easy to stay hydrated, save money, and reduce plastic waste – all while celebrating Tasmania’s world-class drinking water. Fern Tree’s win as Australia’s Best Tasting Tap Water in 2023 was a reminder of just how lucky we are to live on an island with such clean and delicious water.

But it’s also a reminder that we have a responsibility to protect it.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme, around 36 per cent of all plastics produced are used in packaging – including bottles – and 85 per cent of those become waste after just one use. Less than 10 per cent of global plastic waste is recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, waterways or scattered across our landscapes.

We’re proud to support a circular, greener economy – one that treats waste as a resource and values long-term impact over short-term convenience.

The Refiller program is just one way we’re helping reduce Tasmania’s environmental footprint. From recycled water reuse to reducing sewer overflows into the Tamar and Derwent rivers, we’re investing in cleaner, more sustainable infrastructure. We’ve also committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent and landfill waste by 25 per cent by 2030.

This World Environment Day, take a moment to refill your bottle – and refill your pride in being a Tasmanian.

Let’s protect what makes this place special. For our communities. For our environment. And for the generations to come.

Find out more about the UN’s World Environment Day at www.worldenvironmentday.global