SA Water’s drinking fountain at Mount Gambier’s famed Blue Lake provided an impressive 15,000 litres of safe, clean drinking water in 2022 – helping to hydrate the community and keep around 25,000 plastic bottles out of landfill.

Located at the iconic tourist spot, the drinking fountain was by far the most popular in regional South Australia last year.

The most used SA Water fountain in the state during 2022 was at the Semaphore Foreshore in Adelaide’s western suburbs, clocking up a massive 103,000 litres.

SA Water’s General Manager of Strategy, Engagement and Innovation Nicola Murphy said it was great to see locals and visitors across the state choosing tap over bottled water.

“With more than 90 SA Water fountains installed in metropolitan and regional areas over the past four years, we’re helping to provide more access to a free and sustainable alternative to bottled water when you’re out and about,” Nicola said.

“These smart fountains have several special features, including the ability to produce environmental, health and cost saving reports, such as how many single-use plastic bottles were saved from landfill by people choosing to drink directly from the fountains or fill up with a reusable bottle.

“With around 370 million single-use plastic water bottles making their way to landfill each year in Australia, drinking fountains provide clear environmental benefits, and are also the smart choice for your wallet – more than 90% of the cost of a bottle of water actually comes from its lid and label.

“Designed and manufactured in Australia, a low-lying drinking arm bubbler on the side of each of our fountains ensures they’re child and wheelchair accessible, with contemporary hygiene features such as its ‘water window’ allowing for easy, safe filling of water bottles.

“Many – including at Mount Gambier – also having an in-ground dog bowl, to help keep thirsty pets satisfied.

“On top of this, the Blue Lake fountain’s water use can be remotely monitored to generate cleaning and maintenance schedules.”

To find your nearest drinking fountain, download SA Water’s free BYOB app, which has more than a thousand mapped across South Australia, displayed on an interactive map with details of features at each.