For councils and facility managers, the benefits reach far beyond free water. The right station means less maintenance, more sustainability and more people choosing reusable bottles. It makes parks, playgrounds and public spaces better for everyone. It all starts with smart planning and a splash of know-how.

INSTALL STATIONS WHERE PEOPLE ALREADY STOP

Let’s be honest. No one wants to go out of their way for a drink. The busiest spots are where people naturally gather, pause or pass through. That’s exactly where your station should go. Playground entrances. Sports precincts. Shared paths. Foreshore walkways. Town centres. Tourist hotspots. These are the perfect places for refill stations to become part of daily life. Northern Beaches Council has expanded its hydration network across beaches, parks and sporting facilities over time, selecting locations that reflect how people actually use each space.

DESIGN FOR EVERYONE, EVERY SINGLE DAY

Everyone uses a drinking station their own way. Parents refill bottles. Kids dash over for a quick drink. Cyclists top up before heading off. Dog owners fill the bowl for their pets. Wheelchair users need easy access too. A station that does it all serves more people, with no extra infrastructure needed. Look for features like these, they make all the difference:

• fast bottle refill points
• dual height drinking fountains
• wheelchair accessible design
• marine-grade stainless steel construction
• self-draining dog bowls
• council branding or public artwork

The Gladstone community fountain project shows how inclusive design opens up access for everyone. When people see themselves reflected in public amenities, they’re more likely to use them and look after them.

TRACK THE VALUE OVER TIME

A good drinking water station keeps delivering benefits long after it’s installed. Councils can measure success by litres dispensed, plastic bottles avoided, maintenance needs and community use. The numbers speak for themselves. Perth Zoo's refill stations have dispensed more than 200,000 litres of drinking water, helping visitors avoid an estimated 120,000 single-use plastic bottles. That’s what great public infrastructure does. It supports the community every day, cuts down on maintenance and keeps delivering value for years.

Book Your Free Hydration Review with the Civiq team to help you find the best locations and recommend the ideal hydration station for your site. Mention ODS26 to receive a Free Aboriginal artwork upgrade on eligible orders.

Visit Civiq via the links below to learn more