A Refreshing Concept

New water-bottle filling stations at popular Hillsborough County locations are helping residents stay hydrated this summer, and throughout the year.

Public Utilities, coordinating with Parks & Recreation and the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative, has installed more than 60 of the environmentally-friendly devices. The idea is to promote the health benefits of hydration, to encourage use of refillable water bottles rather than store-bought plastic ones, and to boost confidence in the public water system.

In coming months, dozens more water-bottle filling stations will replace standard drinking fountains at public libraries, recreation centers, Senior Centers, and Head Start Centers. You'll also find them at Carrollwood Cultural Center, Hillsborough County Fairgrounds in Dover, and Hillsborough County Extension in Seffner.

Summer Camp participants recently gathered to laud the installation of a water-bottle filling station at Morgan Woods Recreation Center in the Town 'N Country area. The rec center, at 7001 Armand Drive, was closed for nine years before it re-opened for summer programs. The new station ensures thirsty campers get pure, cool water.

An added incentive to use the apparatus: Each camper received their own water bottle.

You, too, would be wise to keep a water bottle handy when out and about in Hillsborough County. More of the filling stations are coming. Public Utilities has a two-year, renewable contract with equipment suppliers and installers, and plans to keep placing the systems at well-travelled locations.