Runners, cyclists and other active residents are soon to be able to stay hydrated while on the move, as free drinking water is on the way to 3 of the Isle of Wight’s busiest coastal towns.
New water bottle refill stations in Lake, Shanklin and Sandown will provide easy, free access to water along popular seafront and clifftop routes, making it simpler to refuel during training sessions or events without breaking stride.
The water fountains will support longer runs, rides and outdoor workouts by removing barriers to hydration, while also helping cut down on single-use plastic by encouraging reusable bottles.
Lake Parish Council, Sandown Town Council and Shanklin Town Council have received funding for the project through the Sea-Changers Coastal Fountain Fund, with the Isle of Wight Council supporting their applications and bids.
A special ‘Our Only World’ fountain will be installed at Lake Cliff Gardens. The dolphin-shaped unit is made from recycled fishing nets that have been salvaged from beaches in the southwest.
The gardens are extremely busy in the summer, drawing beachgoers from local hotels and residents from the nearby cliff path.
The area is therefore prone to high levels of litter, and as Lake Cliff Gardens sits on an exposed clifftop within the Isle of Wight’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this is an area where preventing plastic waste entering the marine environment is an urgent priority.
All 3 fountains will overall play a vital role in reducing plastic pollution, improving visitor experience, promoting healthier travel choices, and protecting a sensitive section of the island’s biosphere coastline.
The project delivers on several themes in the Bay Area Place Plan, including people to place connectivity and natural asset conservation, and was delivered after being brought to the Building the Bay Group. It also supports thriving places and care economy themes in the Growth and Prosperity Strategy.
In Shanklin, the fountain will be directly on the seafront, attached to the existing public toilet and shower block on Hope Road, in a highly visible and accessible location that sits at the heart of one of the town’s busiest coastal areas.
Shanklin’s beach and surrounding area regularly feature in litter picks and clean-up efforts, where plastic bottles remain a persistent issue.
By making free drinking water readily available in a high-traffic coastal location, it will help reduce the number of single-use plastic bottles discarded along the seafront.
In Sandown, the new water refill station will be installed in Eastern Gardens, next to the Changing Places facility by the Sundial Café on the Avenue Road slipway.
This is a well-used and highly visible spot directly adjacent to the beach, close to public toilets, beach huts, and a surf school, and sits right at the heart of the seafront where both residents and visitors naturally gather.
The project contributes to Sandown’s wider ambitions to create a more welcoming, sustainable and environmentally responsible seafront, acting as a visible reminder to refill and reuse bottles, which can help shift behaviour and reinforce positive environmental habits.
Fountains will be operational in Summer 2026 so they can be enjoyed over the summer season.
Alex Minns, Isle of Wight Council’s service director for community regeneration and economy, said:
“We’re excited to take this really positive step forward for our coastal communities.
“These fountains will make it easier for both residents and visitors to access free drinking water exactly where they need it the most, helping to tackle plastic pollution and supporting healthier lifestyles.”
Ben Holbrook, chair of Sandown Green Town Volunteers, said:
“From the initial idea, what we wanted to do was give people the opportunity to fill their reusable water bottle when they are out and about across the bay.
“We all know the problem with marine plastic waste and the more locations people can fill a bottle of water and not have to buy another, has to be a good thing to help reduce the waste.”
Alex Lightfoot. mayor of Sandown Town Council, said:
“We’re delighted to see the new water fountains and bottle-filling station installed across the Bay.
“This project, made possible through the Sea-Changers grant, is a fantastic step towards reducing single-use plastic, encouraging people to refill reusable bottles, and making our public spaces more sustainable for everyone.
“I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to Ben Holbrook for his hard work and commitment in bringing this project forward.”
Paul Brading, chair of Lake Parish Council, said:
“The Dolphin Water Fountain, located at the gateway to Lake, will be a fun and functional feature for Families, Friends and Visitors, for current and future generations.”
A Shanklin Town Council spokesperson said:
“The new facility will provide both residents and visitors with a convenient way to refill reusable water bottles, helping to reduce the reliance on single-use plastic bottles.
“By encouraging people to refill rather than purchase bottled water, the initiative will contribute to reducing plastic waste and its long-term impact on our coastline and marine environment.
“Plastic pollution continues to be a significant environmental issue, particularly along our beaches and in our seas. Projects such as this not only provide a practical benefit but also help raise awareness of the importance of reducing plastic waste and making more sustainable choices.”
