Informed individual will learn about the following details:
In a bid to combat heat-related illnesses, reduce plastic waste, and promote environmental sustainability, the city of Bottrop is taking significant steps to expand its public drinking water facilities.
The Refill initiative, a key player in this endeavour, allows people to refill their water bottles for free at participating businesses and locations. To get in touch with the Refill initiative in Bottrop, you can reach out via phone at 02041 703259 or 02041 703728, or send an email to [email protected] or [email protected]. The contact details, along with the location (Room 303 or 304), can also be found on the Refill map.
Businesses, institutions, and public buildings are encouraged to register with the Refill initiative to allow refills of tap water. Participating businesses and locations in Bottrop, as well as nationwide, are marked with a sticker, making it easy for people to find these refill stations.
The city of Bottrop, particularly its city center, has been identified as the largest contiguous heat island. Currently, the Bottrop city center has no public drinking fountain, a situation that the city aims to rectify. Specific new drinking fountain locations in the city center are currently being studied and planned for next year.
Adequate fluid intake is essential during heat waves to prevent heat-related illnesses and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The city's expansion of public drinking water facilities is a response to climate change, urban heat islands, and an increase in cardiovascular diseases.
The city of Bottrop is not alone in this initiative. The organization supporting the city to establish additional refill stations for water bottles is a tip: tap e.V., which coordinates the Refill Germany network promoting free access to tap water and reducing plastic waste.
The Water Resources Act has been amended due to the EU Drinking Water Directive, emphasizing the importance of accessible drinking water. Currently, there are 6 drinking fountains in the Bottrop city area, offering access to fresh drinking water during certain holidays. However, the city aims to build at least 1,000 new drinking fountains in German municipalities, including in or near parks, pedestrian zones, and shopping passages.
Five specific locations in the Bottrop city center have been identified as suitable for the construction of a drinking fountain. The first drinking fountain in the Bottrop city center was put into operation on the horse market in June 2025.
For more information about the Refill initiative and its activities, visit https://refill-deutschland.de/. The Refill map, containing all the contact details and participating locations, is also accessible on the website. Let's work together to reduce plastic waste and ensure access to clean drinking water for all.
