New Jersey American Water is now accepting applications from communities interested in installing reusable water bottle filling stations. These stations will allow people to fill their reusable bottles with filtered tap water provided by the company.
The utility has allocated $25,000 to build 12 stations across its service areas in New Jersey. Priority will be given to communities of color, economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, and areas with a history of water contamination.
These modern stations often feature touch-free sensors to help reduce the spread of germs.
The project aims to cut down on single-use plastic waste, said Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water. He noted the environmental harm caused by plastic waste, especially in rivers and oceans, and the frequent presence of plastics in sewer systems.
Last year, 100 billion plastic beverage containers were sold in the U.S., much of which ended up polluting the environment. Studies also show that plastic bottles can shed microplastics, which may pose health risks.
McDonough hopes the refill stations will encourage people to trust tap water again, especially given concerns from incidents in places like Flint and Jackson, Mississippi. Using tap water is not only cheaper but also helps reduce reliance on single-use plastics.
Communities of any size within New Jersey American Water’s service areas can apply. Those awarded grants will be responsible for the upkeep of the stations. The deadline for applications is September 27.