Scottish Water Top Up Tap unveiled at Glasgow Science Centre

Scottish Water’s latest big blue Top Up Tap has been operative during COP26, allowing delegates to fill up on water instead of using single-use plastic bottles.

Now, the tap is available to Glasgow residents and Science Centre visitors, after an official launch presided by Councillor Anna Richardson, city convener for sustainability and carbon reduction.

The unveiling was marked by a little watery magic by Science Centre staff, who made up the formula for water to welcome the tap at Pacific Quay.

Inside, a special Scottish Water exhibit shows how precious a resource water is, as just one per cent of the world’s water is accessible for drinking.

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Lorna Neilson, project manager at Scottish Water, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to bring one of our taps to such an iconic location here at Glasgow Science Centre.

“Last month, COP26 demonstrated that much more needs to be done to tackle climate change and it’s clear that people the length and breadth of the country share our desire to reduce single-use plastic waste by using more sustainable alternatives. 

Lorraine Govan (Glasgow Science Centre); Lorna Neilson (Scottish Water); Councillor Anna Richardson; Harriet Rafferty (Glasgow Science Centre). Image: Chris Watt

“That’s where Scottish Water’s Your Water Your Life Campaign comes in, making public water refill points available for everyone and encouraging people to drink tap water and carry a refillable water bottle.

She added: “Glasgow Science Centre is such a busy attraction that’s popular with families, schools, folk of all ages, so we can reach a huge and varied audience here who can help us protect the environment by joining the wave to help reduce waste.

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“So far our top up taps across Scotland have saved the equivalent of one million single-use plastic bottles.”

The top up tap is the latest addition to the transformation of the outside space at Glasgow Science Centre to create a “welcoming, accessible and biodiverse place” for communities and visitors.

Dr Gillian Lang, deputy director of science at Glasgow Science Centre, said: “We have transformed our front garden at Glasgow Science Centre into an attractive destination and thoroughfare for our local communities. 

Councillor Anna Richardson. Image: Chris Watt

“The top up tap is a welcome addition and is already proving popular with visitors who are stopping to top up as they play and interact with our new outdoor exhibits. 

“Cyclists are feeling the benefit too as the tap is located right next to the new cycle shelter and cycleway that links Pacific Drive with the Bells Bridge and National Cycle paths.”

The new water refill point joins the network of sixty taps installed throughout the country, four of which are in Glasgow City Centre. 

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Councillor Anna Richardson said: “The top up taps have been really popular since they started appearing in Glasgow and it’s great to see the initiative grow further.

“In Glasgow alone, over fifty-five thousand litres of water have been drawn from the taps since the first one was introduced in Buchanan Street and it’s estimated that has saved more than 166,000 single-use plastic bottles from being thrown away.

“People have been making best use of the taps when they are out enjoying some recreation and so it makes sense to site this latest tap next to such a well-visited attraction as the Science Centre.

“The city’s plastic reduction strategy sets a clear goal for eliminating throw away plastic and Scottish Water’s top up taps are a vital part of the city’s efforts to encourage a refill culture for staying hydrated.”

Top up taps have been installed in each council area across Scotland. 

The first was switched on outside the Scottish Parliament in 2018 and Scottish Water said more will be installed over the coming months.