Free water refill station debuts in Richmond to mixed reaction
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A local marketing agency just put up a free, filtered water refill station on Broad Street.
Why it matters: Not everyone on social media is convinced, even in this heat.
The big picture: Richmond Water, not to be confused with a city government entity, is an initiative from Xponent 21 that's trying to cut plastic waste by helping people find places to refill their water bottles.
- Per its map, there are roughly a dozen spots in the Richmond area, including at the airport, the Pony Pasture parking lot and Chimborazo Playground.
- The ones specifically from its brand, which offers filtered tap water, are at City Stadium and near Sweet P's at 316 W. Broad St. — its latest addition.
How it works: The water comes from the city's water supply and is then filtered through a five-step process onsite, per the initiative's Instagram.
The naysayers: "After last year's water debacle, I don't think I could make myself drink from city water," said one commenter.
The supporters: "I was homeless in Richmond for years. This is AMAZING!" said another.
Fun fact: Stations like these helped eliminate over 30,000 plastic bottles locally last year, per Richmond Water.
- And anyone can request a station for an event or sponsor one to expand the effort.
Sabrina's thought bubble: You'd likely be a hero if you put one at Iron Blossom this year.