Politics & Council · Reading
Reading Borough Council explores new public drinking water fountain scheme
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Reading council leaders are in talks with Thames Water to increase public drinking fountains as residents highlight a lack of accessible refill points in parks and the town centre.
Reading Borough Council has confirmed it is in early-stage talks with Thames Water to increase the number of public water refill points across the town. The move follows concerns raised by local councillors regarding the current lack of drinking water facilities in public parks and the town centre.
Councillor James Moore, representing Tilehurst, recently questioned why the town lacks the comprehensive infrastructure seen in other cities. He noted that while London has successfully partnered with Thames Water to install over 100 fountains under a model where the water company manages cleaning and maintenance for 25 years, Reading currently has limited options for the public.
At present, public access to water in Reading is largely restricted to specific locations, including Reading station, the council offices, and two sites at the University of Reading's Whiteknights campus. Councillor Moore warned that as climate change drives more frequent and intense heatwaves, easy access to free drinking water is becoming a public health necessity rather than a convenience. He argued that a lack of such facilities encourages the use of single-use plastic bottles, running counter to broader environmental goals.
Responding to these concerns, the council leader, Councillor Liz Terry, acknowledged the merit of the proposal. She confirmed that the local authority is in contact with Thames Water to explore a potential partnership modelled on the capital’s scheme. The council is currently awaiting a formal response from the utility provider.
In the interim, the council has directed residents to its 'Cool Spaces' initiative. This programme identifies locations where the public can find respite from high temperatures and access drinking water. These facilities currently include:
Reading Central Library
Rivermead Leisure Centre
Palmer Park Leisure Centre
Whitley Wood Community Centre
The council is expected to pursue the matter further when Thames Water representatives attend the Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport Committee in November. The local authority maintains that increasing water access is a vital component of its strategy to build a more climate-resilient and sustainable town.
Source: Reading Chronicle · View original