Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire partner to promote tap water

Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have partnered to promote tap water as the drink of choice, with six new drinking fountains for Sale and Maffra.

Gippsland Water managing director Sarah Cumming said increasing community access to fresh drinking water at popular locations was a win for the community.

“Our tap water is excellent quality. It is also cheaper than store-bought water, good for you – and it doesn’t contribute to landfill.

“A new fountain in the Sale mall and one at the Sale Botanic Gardens are keeping shoppers and park-goers hydrated.

“Meanwhile the new fountain inside Aqua Energy Leisure Centre, in Sale, is estimated to have saved more than 900 single-use plastic bottles from being purchased and thrown away.”

In the next few months, Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire’s partnership will also see new drinking fountains installed at the new Maffra Skate Park, the recently upgraded Cameron Sporting Complex in Maffra and the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex in Sale.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Garry Stephens said encouraging people to consume tap water instead of sugary drinks or buying bottled water was an important health promotion and sustainability activity.

“Council’s Healthy Wellington plan commits to act collaboratively to improve the health and wellbeing of the Wellington community,” Cr Stephens said.

“This is one great way to provide the infrastructure for people to make healthy choices and if they are re-filling reusable bottles, it’s great for the environment.

“I encourage everyone shopping, swimming or using the park in Sale to bring their drink bottles and re-fill using the drinking fountains.”