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Topic 5.1
Drinking Water Fountains

Aim

Greater access to drinking water in public spaces will contribute to improved public health.

Context

The Issues

Often, the only option to obtain a drink outside the home is to buy a sweetened drink in a single use bottle.

Policy Principles

Options

Include drinking water fountains in the design of new public spaces, public transport hubs, and at major sports and leisure venues, transport interchanges and shopping centres.

Strategic Objectives

  • sustainable development
  • climate
  • biodiversity
  • green infra-structure landscape
  • health
  • economy
  • housing
  • design
  • education

Evidence

Impact of sugary drinks on health,

Further information

The provision of drinking water fountains helps improve public health, reduces waste from single-use plastic bottles and supports the circular economy through the use of reusable water bottles.

Implementation

Planning Tools

  • local plan policies
  • additional guidance
  • design codes
  • masterplans
  • planning applications

Implementation methods by external and internal partners

Town centre managers

Town centre regeneration

Commercial developers

Refill encourages places to provide accessible water stations and promote their app in relevant communications and engagement plans with the public. https://www.refill.org.uk/

Monitoring

How can we measure success?

Design guidance for public spaces and venues is produced and implemented.

More sites identified on the refill app: https://www.refill.org.uk/

Case studies

Possible contacts for planning case study

https://www.refill.org.uk/refill-warrington/

Refill Sefton Contact: Rosemary Turner rturner86@live.co.uk

Refill Chester Contact: Helen Tandy Helenchesterfoe@hotmail.com

Merseyrail have rehydration points  

have any been installed in new public squares & shown on planning applications? 

Hull SPD 14: Healthy Places, Healthy People https://www.hull.gov.uk/downloads/file/3671/spd14-healthy-places-healthy-people

4.9 To contribute towards addressing this health priority and in respect of Local Plan Policy 14 the Council will expect applicants to demonstrate that the proposed development is:- 

· increases social connections through mixed use communities and public spaces that provide accessible facilities such as public toilets, benches for people to rest and talk, secure cycle parking, dog waste bins and recycling bins and water fountains;