Scottish Water’s innovative network of Top Up Taps has achieved a significant milestone, saving the equivalent of 15 million plastic bottles.
The publicly-owned utility has announced that its network of over 130 iconic blue
Top Up Taps, designed to promote the use of refillable water bottles and reduce single-use
plastic, has now saved the equivalent of 15 million single-use 330ml plastic bottles.
The achievement is a result of people using the taps to refill their bottles and stay hydrated, tapping into the country’s water supply while on the go.
Scottish Water has also highlighted the top 10 most-used Top Up Taps, with the tap
at The Meadows in Edinburgh leading the way, followed by Buchanan Street in Glasgow
city centre, and the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, which was the first tap installed.
Scottish Water has thanked everyone who has used the Top Up Taps and is encouraging more people to do so.
The network of 131 taps, from Lerwick in the north to Portpatrick in the south, provides free public mains water and digitally logs the amount of water used.
There are 11 Top Up Taps in the Edinburgh area, 10 in Greater Glasgow, three in Perth and two each in Aberdeen, Dundee and Inverness. The first tap was installed at the Scottish Parliament in October 2018. The taps are equipped with technology that tracks water usage, providing data on cost savings, plastic reduction, and water volume used.
The Top Up Tap initiative is part of Scottish Water’s Your Water Your Life campaign,
which celebrates the quality of Scotland’s water and encourages environmental protection
and personal health. Single-use plastic continues to pollute our seas and beauty
spots, making refillable water bottles a better choice for the planet and your pocket.
Alex Plant, Scottish Water Chief Executive, said: “We are thrilled that so many people
have used the taps, saving the equivalent of 15 million single-use plastic bottles.
We thank everyone who fills up from our big blue taps with a reusable bottle and
hope more people will do the same in the future.
“With summer approaching and more of us out and about, we urge everyone to carry a refillable bottle and use our Top Up Taps to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is essential for concentration, health, and performance.
“With 131 distinctive Top Up Taps across the country, you can easily top up while on the go."
Scottish Water Top Up Taps save 15 million plastic bottles
4 May 2025
