WATER refilling units are set to be installed in Weymouth town centre in a bid to keep people hydrated and avoid using single-use plastics. 

Four Wessex Water refill units are soon to be installed in Hope Square, The Esplanade, New Bond Street and Alexandra Gardens before undergoing a period of testing, with an official launch to follow.

Wessex Water is also working with councils and businesses across its supply region to install refill units in public spaces.

The refill points aim to encourage people to drink more tap water and avoid using single-use plastic bottles.

These stations will be cleaned, maintained and inspected regularly to ensure the highest standards of hygiene and water quality.

Kirsty Scarlett, Wessex Water’s head of community engagement, said: “The refill points are in prime locations to keep Weymouth’s residents, visitors and shoppers hydrated.

Dorset Echo: What the Wessex Water refill station will look like (CREDIT: Wessex Water)What the Wessex Water refill station will look like (CREDIT: Wessex Water)

“We’ve installed them successfully elsewhere and there are plans for many more in our water supply region, part of our mission to make it easier for people to choose refill over landfill. 

“The average person in the UK uses 100 plastic bottles every year. If just one in 10 of us refilled once a week there would be 340 million fewer plastic bottles a year in circulation.”

Councillor Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, said “I’m delighted that these refill points will shortly be installed. We hope they will encourage people to reduce the amount of plastic bottles they purchase.

“It’s a small step to help us tackle this real and serious threat of climate change. 

“Dorset Council works closely with utility suppliers and welcomes ideas from them as to how to reduce both plastic waste and reduce Co2 emissions. 

“Weymouth is just one area where we can make a difference in our habits of buying bottled water.”

Councillor David Harris, Weymouth Town Council’s Chair of the Green and Clean Working Group, said: “The Town Council has welcomed the opportunity to have partnered with Wessex Water and Dorset Council on the introduction of free water refills in the town.

“These will be a valuable community and visitor facility, helping to reduce the use of single-use plastics.”