Scottish Water has reported that its Top Up Tap network has saved the equivalent of 15 million single-use plastic bottles.
The network comprises 131 taps located across Scotland and offers free public access to mains water for bottle refills.
This initiative aims to reduce plastic waste and promote the use of refillable bottles. The first Top Up Tap was installed at the Scottish Parliament in October 2018.
Each tap is fitted with technology that logs the volume of water used by the public. The data helps track reductions in plastic use, cost savings, and environmental benefits.
The most-used tap is located at The Meadows in Edinburgh, according to Scottish Water. Other popular locations include Buchanan Street in Glasgow and the Scottish Parliament.
These taps are among the most frequently accessed out of more than 130 across the country.
There are 11 taps in Edinburgh, ten in Greater Glasgow, and several more in major cities. This includes two each in Aberdeen, Dundee, and Inverness, and three in Perth.
The taps stretch from Lerwick in the north to Portpatrick in the south.
Scottish Water is encouraging more people to refill their bottles using the Top Up Tap network.
The Top Up Taps are part of the wider Your Water Your Life campaign, which promotes Scotland’s water quality and sustainable living practices. It also highlights the link between environmental responsibility and personal health.
Scottish Water research shows that households typically own six reusable bottles. The company is encouraging people to clean and use these bottles more regularly. It suggests tapping into the Top Up Tap network or household taps to reduce waste.
Scottish Water chief executive Alex Plant said: “We are thrilled that so many people have used the taps, saving the equivalent of 15 million single-use plastic bottles. We thank everyone who fills up from our big blue taps with a reusable bottle and hope more people will do the same in the future.
“With summer approaching and more of us out and about, we urge everyone to carry a refillable bottle and use our Top Up Taps to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is essential for concentration, health, and performance.
“With 131 distinctive Top Up Taps across the country, you can easily top up while on the go.”
