Alderman James Baird, Chairman of the council’s Environmental Services Committee; Wilfie Muldrew, Head of Waste and Operational Services and Pat McAuley, NI Water.

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is delighted to support Northern Ireland Water’s new Refillution campaign, aimed at encouraging everyone to commit to refilling a reusable water bottle with our world-class tap water and stop buying single use plastic bottles.

To coincide with National Refill Day, 19th June, NI Water is launching its own campaign locally, ‘Refillution.’ Northern Ireland uses 145 million single use plastic bottles every year. By switching to a reusable bottle, people can help turn the tide in helping to reduce plastic waste. Our drinking water is 99% pure and we want everyone to benefit from it.

Alderman James Braid, Chairman of the council’s Environmental Services Committee, said: “As a council we are very supportive of the message to reduce single use plastics and would encourage our staff and residents to use refillable water bottles to keep hydrated throughout the day.  By drinking your two litres of water a day using a refillable container not only are you being healthy but you are also minimising the amount of plastic that is being sent for recycling. Show your support for the local Refillution campaign by using a refillable water bottle and recycle your old plastic ones.”

With drinking water now at the highest quality on record, staying hydrated and reducing plastic waste is a win-win for everyone.

Angela Halpenny, Northern Ireland Water Head of Environmental Regulation says, “We are delighted Lisburn & Castlereagh Council is supporting our campaign and taking the Refill message right across their area. On National Refill day, we welcome all our councils, agencies and stakeholders to join us, by encouraging everyone to switch to refilling a reusable water bottle from the tap.”

The water industry has a strong focus on the environment and we are committed to tackling the problems caused by plastic bottles which block up our rivers and drains, and pollute our seas.

Get involved! Just hashtag #Jointherefillution #Refillution @niwnews @JoinRefillution and start sharing with your friends!

For more information about the campaign visit www.niwater.com/refillution/