Access to safe, chilled, and sustainable drinking water is a fundamental need. Yet across the Caribbean, in too many towns, parks, beaches, and public institutions, people still rely heavily on single use bottled water and sugar sweetened beverages. This not only adds unnecessary expense but also fuels plastic waste and environmental harm.
At Newport Water, we believe that sustainable change starts with solutions that make doing the right thing easy and accessible. That is the mission behind championing Free-to-Use (FTU) public water stations across the Caribbean.
The Benefits of FTU Water Stations
- Unlimited, On-Demand Hydration
Public water stations ensure that every resident, student, or visitor has free access to drinking water when and where they need it. Hydration is critical for health, productivity, and overall well-being, particularly in our tropical climate. - Environmental Protection
Every refill reduces the demand for single-use plastic bottles. Over time, this shift significantly cuts plastic waste, litter, and the burden on landfills. - Building Sustainable Habits
Public access to clean water encourages people to carry reusable bottles and embrace refill culture. This simple daily practice fosters long-term behavioral change for a healthier environment and healthier lives.
The Challenges We Must Overcome
While the mission is simple, the path comes with challenges that must be acknowledged and addressed:
Bottled water sales vs. public good
Many facilities view bottled water sales as a source of revenue. We believe businesses and institutions can still thrive while embracing sustainable practices that deliver greater social and environmental benefit.
Funding durable outdoor infrastructure
Quality stations require investment. Our model offers both outright purchase with ongoing service or subscription-based solutions supported by corporate sponsorship and branding.
Ongoing maintenance
Stations must be rigorously maintained to ensure water quality and equipment reliability. Newport integrates maintenance into every solution so that stations remain safe, trusted, and effective for the long term.
The social, health, and environmental impact is undeniable—and this is just the beginning.
Our work in Barbados demonstrates what’s possible. Through our Hydrate Caribbean initiative, Newport Water has already deployed more than 30 public water stations, delivering over 3.9 million bottle refills to date.
The social, health, and environmental impact is undeniable—and this is just the beginning. We envision every island across the region adopting similar networks of FTU stations, transforming public spaces into healthier, more sustainable environments for all.
We invite governments, urban planners, architects, corporate sponsors, and community leaders to join us in this mission. Together, we can build a Caribbean where hydration is free, accessible, and sustainable in every public space—from schools and hospitals to beaches, parks, and city centers.
At Newport Water, our commitment is clear: to make the sustainable choice the easy choice for everyone.
