Water fountain will keep cyclists hydrated

THE City of Ballarat and Central Highlands Water have collaborated to install a Choose Tap water fountain at the upgraded Buninyong Pump Track.

The fountain is designed to provide the cycling community and recreational users with easy access to fresh water.

Central Highlands Water’s Choose Tap initiative aims to encourage users to bring their own water bottle and use tap water for health and sustainability benefits.

“The Choose Tap program encourages the community to drink tap water to assist with a healthy lifestyle, and as a cheaper and environmentally friendly alternative to expensive bottled water and other plastic packaged drinks,” Central Highlands Water managing director Jeff Haydon said.

“The installation will allow the community and visitors to the Buninyong Pump Track to Choose Tap and refill their reusable water bottles, eliminating single-use plastic going to landfill.”

Central Highlands Water has been partnering with the City of Ballarat for more than 10 years and mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the water fountain and upgraded pump track will benefit the community.

“The Buninyong BMX/Pump Track was a fantastic project that will encourage more people to be active and get out on their bikes in Buninyong,” she said.

“Water is a vital ingredient as part of exercise and we are proud to work with Central Highlands Water to have the Choose Tap infrastructure available to the public at the Buninyong BMX/Pump Track.”