If you carry a reusable water bottle, you might have noticed how many more places you’ve been able to find a convenient refill station over the last few years. At the airport, the gym, school, the workplace, shopping centers, and more hydration stations are popping up. Municipalities are replacing old water drinking fountains, and they’re installing a water bottle refilling component and adding hundreds more stations to parks, city buildings, and popular city destinations. Between 2015 and 2025, New York City plans to install 500 water fountains and bottle refilling stations across all five boroughs to encourage proper hydration and reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles.
There’s a consumer demand trend for more sustainable bottled water
According to Google Trends on bottled water, an increasing number of people are searching for ways to reduce packaging waste in their bottled water choices. The trends include searches for bulk water, more “eco-friendly” water bottles, sustainability and bottled water, and refillable bottled water to reduce single-use needs.
In addition to health concerns, there’s a broader understanding of the waste crisis exacerbated by single-use plastic bottles. Global campaigns and media coverage have highlighted the jarring volume of single-use plastic waste polluting oceans, waterways, and ecosystems. Many people are now motivated to choose refillable and reusable options as a way to participate in solutions that reduce plastic waste, save resources, and contribute to a cleaner planet.
As reports become released about the high rate of microplastics in single-use plastic bottled water (240,000 nanoparticles per liter) and education increases about the impact of this on health, people are realizing there has got to be a better way to hydrate. This upsetting statistic has fueled public concern and prompted more individuals to seek alternatives that minimize exposure to corresponding contaminants while reducing environmental harm.
This shift in beverage buying behavior signals a paradigm change in the bottled water market. Other factors contributing to the sustainability shift in the beverage industry include regulatory pressure, such as new plastic reduction laws and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and the competitive advantage that leaning into sustainability gives a beverage brand.
What is the trending rise in water bottle refill stations across the country?
There has been a quiet but large rise in the installation of water bottle refill stations across the country. From National Parks to commercial buildings, hotels, schools, and private businesses, where there is a hydration station upgrade, you will often see the traditional water fountain accompanied by a bottle component. The trend really took off during shutdowns in 2020, where water fountains were covered with trash bags to help people avoid spreading germs. In place of this, and knowing people need access to water, the touchless bottle refill station began seeing an uptick in installations.
Here are some of those installation highlights.
California installs water refill stations at Family Services locations.
Disney parks install whimsical refill stations strategically across park venues.
Yankee Stadium has installed 23 bottle refilling stations and has plans for 21 more.
New Jersey American Utility is installing 12 multi-use water refilling stations.
The Highland County Health Department secures 50 water refill stations.
Rothy’s Grand Opening in NYC featured a refill station to encourage a switch from single-use to reusable bottles.
NYC has installed/will install a total of 500 water bottle refill stations between 2015-2025.
NYC proposes to make some fire hydrants also bottle refill stations for convenience.
The National Park Service promotes its refilling station locations in an effort to reduce the 30% of park waste that is single-use plastic bottled water.
The trend is upward. Water bottle refill stations are a win across many facilities, which often simply install them and don’t make a big fuss about it. It’s the reason we quietly and pleasantly are seeing more stations in daily life.
What is the impact of water refill stations?
According to Elkay, one of the purveyors of water bottle refill stations across the United States, who has installed approximately 1 million water fill stations as of 2021, has counted 40 billion single-use plastic water bottles deterred from usage.
The impact goes beyond waste reduction. Refill stations also reduce the need for single-use plastic production, which decreases greenhouse gas emissions tied to manufacturing and distribution. The growth in water refill stations also puts pressure on investment in infrastructure upgrades to piping and filtration systems. This could help provide more widespread access to refillable water, ensuring communities have clean, accessible water to refill their bottles wherever they go. This is particularly important in underserved areas, where access to clean drinking water is paramount.
The importance of PATH, a refillable bottled water that makes refilling easy
While refill stations are becoming more common, not everyone remembers to carry their reusable bottles. This is where PATH fits perfectly. PATH combines the convenience of picking up a bottle of water at the store with the ability to reuse that bottle long-term, all at a price comparable to single-use plastic bottled water.
Unlike single-use plastic bottles, PATH Water is designed to be refilled again and again, bridging the gap between convenience and environmental responsibility.
Reusable water bottles can be pricey, making them less accessible for some consumers. PATH Water offers an affordable alternative, ensuring that choosing a sustainable option doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Its lightweight, refillable aluminum design makes it easy for people to switch to a more sustainable option without sacrificing portability or convenience.
The future of bottled water is refilling
The future of how we drink bottled water is we #refillit. As demand continues to push for more sustainable options, refill stations and reusable bottled water solutions like PATH are setting a new standard. Cities and businesses that prioritize refill infrastructure are responding to environmental concerns and creating opportunities for cost savings and improved public health.
The path forward is clear. Bottled water companies must innovate beyond single-use, embracing refillable solutions that align with growing environmental awareness and consumer expectations. Municipalities and businesses must expand infrastructure to support refill stations, making accessing clean water without waste easier.
PATH Water exemplifies this future by combining sustainability and convenience. It’s not just about reducing waste; it’s about creating a culture where refilling becomes second nature. By choosing refillable options, we can ensure that hydration meets the needs of both people and the planet.
Resources
https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03088
https://refillambassadors.com/water-kiosks-refill-stations-in-africa/
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/11/19/5232
https://home.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/refilling_stations.htm
https://wdwnt.com/2024/09/alice-in-wonderland-bottle-filling-station-dlr/