Drinking Fountains Installed throughout Rangitikei

Rangitikei District Council is one of three councils in the region to take action to increase access to drinking water in the community.

Rangitikei, along with Whanganui and Ruapehu District Councils, teamed up with the Whanganui District Health Board, Sport Whanganui and Healthy Families Whanganui Rangitīkei Ruapehu from Te Oranganui to successfully extend the water-only schools’ initiative beyond the school gates and into the community.

Three fountains are being installed throughout the Rangitkei. The fountain at Centennial Park, Marton has already been installed, while fountains for the Bulls Domain and Taihape Memorial Park are not far behind. The fountains are hard to miss – a sturdy structure that is bright orange and all contain bottle fillers. The fountain in Bulls will also contain a dog bowl.

Mayor Andy Watson says “This is the first fountain to be installed across our District. This, and the two other fountains yet to be installed, will be a fantastic asset and great facility in our parks. This has been a great example of collaboration by working together to successfully achieve a great outcome. The fountain provides filtered water, which is needed on these hot summer days. Thanks to everyone that was involved with this project.”

This project means seven fountains will be installed throughout the three council areas. The joint approach to increasing access to water in sport and recreation spaces was supported by funding from the Four Regions Trust. Rangitikei District Council contributed funds and also received funding support from Pub Charities and the Lion Foundation.

Chair of Four Regions Trust, Dot McKinnon says, “We are very supportive of the move to improve the health and well-being of our community in a sustainable way by ensuring that access to water isn’t a barrier to making a healthy choice.”