One Million Plastic Bottles Saved as Glasgow Embraces Topping Up from the Tap

Glasgow’s growing network of water refill taps has now saved the equivalent of more than one million single-use plastic bottles, since Scottish Water installed the city’s first Top Up Tap in 2018. 
 
And a new refill tap - which brings Glasgow’s total to eight – is set to boost that figure even further after being unveiled next to the Clyde Clock outside Buchanan Bus Station. 
 
Glasgow’s first and flagship Top Up Tap was launched by the publicly-owned utilities company in Buchanan Street in 2018. It was followed by installations in Queen’s Park, the Botanic Gardens, Riverside Museum and the Science Centre, as well as taps at Cathkin Braes and Clyde Place as part of the award-winning Your Water Your Life campaign. 
 
The taps provide free drinking water and digitally log how much water is used as people fill up at the touch of a button. 
 
There are now more than 119 distinctive bright blue taps installed throughout Scotland, providing a major boost to the country’s efforts to reduce single-use plastic waste and helping members of the public tap into Scotland’s water supply when out and about.  
 
Scottish Water Communications and Engagement Manager Scott Fraser said: 
 
“Saving the equivalent of one million plastic bottles is a huge figure for Glasgow to hit and we are delighted to see the city making such good use of the taps we’ve installed – it is great to see more and more people carrying a reusable water bottle and staying hydrated on the go, while saving money and cutting down on single use plastic. 
 
“We are also very excited to launch our newest tap – Glasgow's eighth – at a bustling transport hub right in the heart of the city centre. Now, commuters can make sure they have topped up their bottles for free for the journey ahead or rehydrate after getting off the bus!” 
 
More information about our Your Water Your Life campaign at: Your Water Your Life