Glass of the Sask water stations will save thousands of plastic bottles from the landfill

This summer, EPCOR is rolling out new hydration stations and mobile water tanks to help prevent single-use plastic water bottles from ending up in the landfill or clogging our waterways. As EPCOR announced the projected impact of this sustainability initiative on World Environment Day, the utility was joined by representatives of some of Edmonton’s most beloved summer festivals.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day, a global event led by the United Nations Environment Programme that attracts participation by more than 150 countries. With the slogan #BeatPlasticPollution, this year’s campaign is aimed at raising awareness of the environmental damage caused by plastic pollution. Data from the United Nations indicates that up to 23 million tonnes of plastic products end up in lakes, rivers and oceans around the globe every year.

“Last year, we brought EPCOR’s Glass of the Sask program to fairgrounds and community events across our city. This summer, we’re taking the initiative even further; to more festivals, to more neighbourhoods, to more people and families,” said Steph Neufeld, Watershed Manager, EPCOR. “By expanding the program, we’re working to keep single-use plastics out of the landfill while also helping everyone keep expenses down by eliminating the need to purchase bottled water.”

Hydration stations will be installed at Edmonton Heritage Festival and the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival for the first time and at an expanded five locations on the K-Days grounds. These touchless hydration stations help families and individuals reduce their environmental footprint by cutting down on the purchase of single-use plastic water bottles. Fairgoers are reminded to bring their reusable water bottles to enjoy a refreshing, great-tasting and free Glass of the Sask.

“The addition of new hydration stations at more high-traffic locations will make it even easier for families to stay hydrated while enjoying the midway and other attractions throughout the K-Days grounds,” said Melissa Radu, Director of Environmental and Social Sustainability at Explore Edmonton. “This partnership with EPCOR ties directly to Explore Edmonton’s Responsible Events Program, which demonstrates the importance we place on supporting events that are socially and environmentally responsible.”

In addition, EPCOR is calling on local event organizers to apply for a mobile Glass of the Sask water tank at their events as another option to help beat plastic pollution. The tanks hold 2000 litres of water and are equipped with one spigot for easy bottle refills. The tanks are also designed with a QR code where people can access more information about the North Saskatchewan River, how to support the sustainability of our source water supply, as well as an overview of the water treatment process.

Quick facts

• Each mobile Glass of the Sask water tank holds 2000 litres of water – that’s enough water to fill 4000 500-ml plastic water bottles.
• Each 20-ft water tank requires space for a truck to drop off and pick up.
• Water tank applications are being accepted for single-day bookings until Sept. 10, 2023. Interested applicants can fill out a ​sponsorship application form to bring a mobile Glass of the Sask water tank to a neighbourhood event.

EPCOR’s Glass of the Sask program is just one of the many ways the company is demonstrating environmental stewardship.

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