Büdingen starts initiative: free water stations for everyone!

Büdingen starts initiative: free water stations for everyone!

Büdingen is breaking new ground in dealing with water. The "Blue Community Büdingen" working group has launched an exciting project to promote the use of tap water. The project called "Refill" has set the ambitious goal of offering free drinking water at different locations in the city to reduce the consumption of bottle water.

The members of the working group, including committed citizens, representatives of the municipal utility and delegates to the city administration, met on Thursday to discuss the status of the project. Büdingen has been part of the global initiative "Blue Community" since 2022, which is committed to access to clean water and the promotion of sustainable water services.

What are refill stations?

An essential part of the initiative are the so-called "refill stations". These can be described as places where citizens can refill their bottles free of charge with fresh tap water. Already in the city library, in the youth club "Juz Casa" and in schools the project started, whereby the response is promising.

Head of Claus Wilkens explains that a network of local companies and restaurants should be built up, which is characterized by a blue sticker as a refill station. This signals visitors that they can get water free of charge. The planning of a drinking fountain in the heart of the old town of Büdingen is also promoted.

Aktuell those responsible are working on determining standards for the refill stations. Jochen Heyermann, deputy head of the working group, encourages local companies to express their interest in participating. "As soon as we have set the necessary standards, we will contact the companies," said Heyermann.

Enlightenment about water quality

The project not only aims at the provision of water, but also on the clarification of the population. In schools in particular, the working group wants to advertise “water formation”. Here, myths are informed about tap water, such as the assumption that mineral water is healthier or the belief that old pipes endanger the water quality. Wilkens emphasizes: "We want to address the students because they are the future decision -makers in water issues."

The existing refill stations have already convinced the citizens, which is shown by positive feedback. In addition, the project has a social aspect: it brings together citizens from different areas to develop ideas together. "We brought many together through the topic of water," said Wilkens.

Overall, this innovative project contributes to sensitization of the city area for sustainable water consumption. If you want to learn more about the initiative, you can find more information at www.blue-community-buedingen.de . Interested companies can contact Jochen Heyermann directly at contact@blue-community-buedingen.de.