SCG water stations are a hit with cricket fans

Sydney Water and the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust have installed 12 new permanent water stations at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), enabling cricket fans to obtain free water in an effort to encourage better health and a better environment.

The water stations proved a hit at the recent Sydney Ashes Test, where spectators consumed almost 13,000 L of water from the refill stations across the five days of the Test — the equivalent of over 20,000 bottles of water (600 mL). Notably, the fourth day of the match saw temperatures reach over 43°C — the highest temperature ever recorded during a Test match in Australia.

“The partnership with the SCG provided the opportunity to show spectators and visitors that Sydney’s tap water is some of the world’s best, and we are providing it at one of the world’s most iconic sporting arenas,” said Sydney Water spokesperson Jennifer Whittle.

“Installation of the drinking water stations enabled spectators to fill up for free, which was a cost saving for them and proved an added attraction for fans needing to rehydrate.

“In addition to avoiding those 20,000 plastic bottles going to waste, where they take up to 1000 years to biodegrade, we estimate the process of manufacturing those bottles would have had a significant impact on the environment.

“By using the water station rather than purchasing bottled water, fans have saved the use of over 15,000 kWh of electricity, over 32,000 L of water and over 3000 L of oil from the plastic bottle manufacturing process. In addition, a significant amount of fuel and carbon emissions have been saved by not having to transport these plastic bottles on multiple legs.

“Drinking water rather than sugary soft drinks also has a positive impact on the health of fans as there are around 21 teaspoons of sugar in every litre of soft drink.”

Whittle noted that Sydney Water has been “keeping players and fans hydrated at matches across Sydney for the past two years”, through its role as the Hydration Partner of the NSW Blues, Lendlease Breakers, Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder cricket teams.

“It made absolute sense that if the players can maximise their performance by drinking Sydney’s world-class quality tap water then we should provide the same opportunity for fans,” she said.

“The water units are a permanent fixture, so spectators at all future events held at the SCG will be able to fill up with Sydney’s water at no cost, providing better outcomes for the health of spectators, their hip pockets, as well as helping the environment.”