Scottish Water looking to install two free top-up taps in Forres
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FORRES is set to have two new sites for the public to access free drinking water.
Scottish Water is rolling out top-up taps across Scotland, the modern equivalent of water fountains; with installations in our town centre dependent on the results of a survey being carried out by Forres Community Council (FCC).
FCC secretary Jo Lenihan confirmed there are already top-up taps in Nairn and Elgin.
She said: “There is no cost to the community and Scottish Water deals with planning permission. Scottish Water and maintenance, including cleaning and checking water quality. Top-up taps are self-standing and self-draining, and can be placed on Tarmac.”
The taps must be located close to an existing mains feed, where they will not cause major disruption to install, and can be safely accessed by all members of the public. The sites must also have enough footfall year-round to ensure enough turnover of water to maintain quality.
Scottish Water has identified two possible locations: just inside the pedestrian entrance to Grant Park off High Street, beyond the Sunken Gardens near the town centre and the sports pavilion; and on the corner at the entrance to the car park off Victoria Road.
Jo said: “Both positions are within 30 feet of an existing mains water supply that can be accessed relatively easily.
“There is a main in South Street, but access would be costly and cause greater traffic disruption so Scottish Water has not included this as a potential link point. This means that the tap cannot be placed by one of the pavilions.”
FCC has contacted a number of Grant Park user groups for opinion which will be submitted to Scottish Water on Wednesday, November 30.
Using free top up taps saves a significant amount of plastic and litter, as well as money.
A Scottish Water spokesperson added: “Scottish Water has committed to installing outdoor water bottle filling stations across Scotland to encourage and promote the use of refillable bottles. Topping up with fresh, great-tasting tap water is good value, good for the environment and good for health.”
