University offers free water for all

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The Estates Department has partnered with the Students’ Association and the Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability to install new drinking water points across the University estate.

More than thirty drinking water fountains have already been installed and a total of 200 points will be installed or upgraded over the next eighteen months. The conveniently located drinking points will provide students and staff with easy access to drinking water to keep them healthy and hydrated. 

Gary Jebb, Director of Edinburgh University Estates explains: “We are installing drinking water points across the University estate in direct response to student requests for more access to drinking water. We are delighted to be able to encourage our students to adopt healthier habits by drinking more water and reducing the number of plastic water bottles that end up as litter.”

The project is the first in a series of measures aimed to cut plastic use and help the University reach its Zero by 2040 climate change goal.

Reusable water bottles will be sold in cafés and shops on campus and, starting from the new academic year, a map will help people find the nearest water point. More projects will be announced this summer.

“Last year, plastic bottles thrown away in just the Main Library could stretch over the Forth Bridge and back.” said Michelle Brown, Head of Programmes in the Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability. “The easiest way to prevent that waste is not to create it in the first place. So, we’re encouraging everyone to carry a bottle and make a difference.”

Drinking points have already been installed in the Main Library, Chrystal Macmillan building, David Hume Tower and Appleton Tower; with King's Buildings, Easter Bush and the BioQuarter to follow.

Updated September 2018