Greenrock.org

"Water is the driving force of all nature." - Leonardo da Vinci

About Hydration Stations

Hydration stations – otherwise known as water/bottle re-fill stations – help to promote a sustainable way of living by encouraging waste reduction and a healthier lifestyle. It serves to encourage use of reusable, earth-friendly drinking bottles and provides the community access to a convenient source of safe, filtered drinking water, particularly for those pedestrians on-the-go.

Greenrock is working with various stakeholders to implement hydration stations for an approved pilot phase in the City of Hamilton in 2012 using the Aquafil model (bottle re-fill station). Visit the Aquafil website.

The Need

Hydration stations are found in major cities around the world and are provided to combat the extravagant waste of resources and waste generated by bottled water - usually packaged in single-use, plastic containers, adding to concerns regarding consumption habits and increased waste disposal.

In Bermuda, plastic waste in the oceans is at crisis levels. We have seen the results on our beaches and the impact on local marine life and species ranging from birds, turtles and whales. Plastic is not biodegradable and lasts indefinitely in our oceans. Greenrock believes that we have a responsibility to try and reduce the burden of ocean plastics in our environment. 

In Premier Paula Cox's 2010 Throne Speech, it was proposed that "Government will prohibit the importation and use of certain materials that are deemed to exacerbate the litter problem". This legislation is currently being drafted and is expected to include single-use plastic water bottles.

Our Approach

Greenrock has researched hydration stations and their use in other countries prior to presenting the concept to various groups locally.

In addition, the project further supports another Greenrock initiative with several non-profit partners called the Bermuda Marine Debris Taskforce, whose mission is to raise awareness and educate the community about the harm that plastics can have on our marine environment.

Steps taken include:

• Established a relationship with Aquafil, the manufacturer of a type of water re-fill station first launched in Australia
• Provided further information for questions and concerns as raised by various local stakeholders – including City of Hamilton, water companies, health officials – with examples of best practices as implemented in parts of the world
• Met and took on board suggestions by City of Hamilton officials
• Worked with Government and a private water company to establish a map of local water mains throughout City of Hamilton
• Identified potential locations for consideration by City of Hamilton 
• Received approval from the City of Hamilton's Board on September 14, 2011, to initiate a pilot phase to install Hydration Stations in six locations around the City (six locations have been selected by City of Hamilton for a 2-year pilot phase, per proposed locations below)
• Worked with City of Hamilton to identify next steps, including logistics and budget, for anticipated installation of stations in 2012
• Sponsorship to fund all six of the stations was received in 2012

Locations 

The selected, pre-approved locations in City of Hamilton include:

• Queen St. - Par-la-Ville Park entrance
• Dundonald St./Cedar Ave. - Victoria Park entrance
• Church St. - Bus Terminal 
• Reid St. extension - outside Cavendish parking lot
• Union St. - Liberty Theatre
• Front St. - Ferry Terminal

Contact

For more information or to learn about sponsorship/ marketing opportunities, please contact Judith Landsberg at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .