Work to install more TopUp Taps ahead of Glasgow Commonwealth Games 'ongoing', says councillor

Work to fund and install more TopUp taps across Glasgow in time for the Commonwealth Games is ongoing, according to a council officer.

There are already nine top up taps in Glasgow, part of Scottish Water’s initiative to encourage people to drink two litres of water a day, reduce the use of single use plastic bottles and help save money.

The local authority is now looking to identify funding streams to expand the number of taps or fountains across the city and has been working with outdoor event organisers to encourage water refill points.

During a net zero committee meeting, chairwoman councillor Lana Reid-McConnell said: “I think people really appreciate the top up taps in the city and are really keen to see that expanded.

“I think particularly in some of our larger parks and larger sports venues we would really like to see that progress so I just wonder where that is at.”

Council officers confirmed that the local authority is continuing to work across the council on sustainability and events while exploring opportunities for installing more top up taps.

They said: “We are constantly looking at opportunities to get more of these in the city. We are working currently around the Commonwealth Games to see if there are opportunities there for top up taps to be installed at the venues.

“There are encouraging signs that we might get something there and we are in communication with Scottish Water who have expressed that they don’t currently have the budget for this but they are willing to work with us to see if there are ways to do this.”

Councillor Reid-McConnell said: “I think it would be really positive for the communities where there are big venues being used for the Commonwealth Games if this opportunity could be seized in order to get funding to get more top up taps.

“I am really happy we are exploring that and hopefully that will come into fruition. I know from my own area the Scoutstoun Leisure Centre doesn’t have a water fountain so this would make a big difference.”