Penzance Unveils First Public Water Fountain in Eco-Friendly Push

Penzance Council, together with Cornwall Wildlife Trust and Our Only World, has introduced Penzance’s first public water fountain.

Located outside the Wherrytown Public Toilet adjacent to the Wherrytown Skateboard Plaza, this new addition aims to combat plastic waste and provide residents and visitors with safe, free drinking water.

The installation, named the Our Only World fountain, is part of a broader effort to reduce the town’s plastic footprint, especially ahead of the Easter holidays, anticipating an influx of people enjoying the outdoors. With funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Your Shore project ‘Tackling the Emergensea’, and the Council itself, the project expands on the groundwork laid by several local initiatives, including Plastic Free Penzance and Sustainable Penzance.

Stephen Reynolds, Mayor of Penzance, highlighted the community effort behind the fountain’s installation, stating, “It’s been a great team effort to get this fountain up and running, but well worth it.” He emphasised its strategic placement for skatepark users and coastal path wanderers and hinted at the possibility of expanding the project if this trial proves successful.

Penzance’s commitment to environmental stewardship dates back to 2017 when it became the UK’s first town to receive Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Coastline status. The town has since worked diligently to minimise its plastic pollution, partnering with local organisations to encourage a shift away from single-use plastic.

The recent introduction of the Refill PZ scheme in May 2021, a collaborative effort between the Council and local groups, aimed to provide accessible water refills to the public. However, a round-the-clock public water fountain was still missing until now.

Katie Bellman, Community Engagement Officer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust, expressed pride in the collaborative project, noting its importance for Penzance’s sustainability goals and its role in the Mounts Bay Marine Trail. The trail offers educational experiences about the local marine environment and history, and the new water station is expected to further enrich this offering.

The installation of the public water fountain faced challenges, including identifying a suitable location and addressing installation and maintenance costs. However, the project’s leaders are optimistic that the fountain will avoid significant damage and vandalism, with ongoing monitoring to provide insights for future planning.

Nigel Pengelly, Penzance Councillor for the Promenade Ward, acknowledged the complexity behind what might seem like a simple addition to the town’s infrastructure. He thanked the Council officers for their dedication to making free drinking water accessible to all in Penzance, marking a significant step towards environmental resilience and sustainability for the community.