Rangitikei gets three new drinking fountains

Rangitikei mayor Andy Watson (right) tests the new drinking fountain at Centennial Park in Marton. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Rangitikei District Council has installed the first of three public water fountains in the district.

The fountain at Centennial Park in Marton has been installed, and ones for the Bulls Domain and Taihape Memorial Park are due to be soon.

The council is one of three in the region to take action to increase access to drinking water in the community.

Rangitikei, along with Whanganui and Ruapehu district councils, teamed up with the Whanganui District Health Board, Sport Whanganui and Healthy Families Whanganui Rangitīkei Ruapehu from Te Oranganui to successfully extend the water-only schools' initiative into the community.

The fountains are hard to miss; they are sturdy, bright orange structures, and all contain bottle fillers. The fountain in Bulls will also contain a dog bowl.

Rangitikei Mayor Andy Watson said the fountains would be a "fantastic asset" to the district.

"This has been a great example of collaboration by working together to successfully achieve a great outcome. The fountain provides filtered water, which is needed on these hot summer days. Thanks to everyone that was involved with this project."

The project means seven fountains will be installed in the three council areas. The joint approach to increasing access to water in sport and recreation spaces was supported by funding from the Four Regions Trust. Rangitikei District Council contributed funds and received funding support from Pub Charities and the Lion Foundation.