Environmentally Friendly Water Filling Stations

I’m only about two years late to the party, it seems, but yesterday when I was jogging in Golden Gate Park I noticed a snazzy new water fountain. Intrigued, I gulped a bunch of water and then decided that if I snapped a picture and blogged about it, I’d be doubly productive and could feel 50% less guilt about my daytime run!

It turns out that way back at the end of 2009, the SFPUC announced a deal with the folks at Global Tap to install these water fountains/bottle filling stations across the city of San Francisco. Given the proliferation of water bottles, the Global Tap idea seems like a very cool way to refill your bottle on-the-go instead of having to buy plastic bottles that are horrible for the environment.

New Water Station in Golden Gate Park

I didn’t have a water bottle with me, so I just took advantage of the Global Tap water old-school style. And I’m happy to report that, as usual, San Francisco water tastes delicious (however, it comes with the guilt of knowing the city reservoir – Hetch Hetchy – used to be one of the most beautiful canyons in the Sierras).

Location of current Global Tap installations in San Francisco

As you can see from the above map (click on link for live version) there are currently seven Global Tap locations installed in the city of San Francisco, with two additional locations at the SFO airport (but not in the snazzy new-and-now-open-for-business T2, what’s with that?).

SF isn’t the first city to partner with Global Tap, both New York and London have also installed the water-filling stations. So next time you are out and about in Golden Gate Park and are thirsting for some water don’t go and buy another plastic water bottle. Bring your own and fill it up with some of the best-tasting free water you’ll ever enjoy!