More drinking fountains for Perth’s Optus Stadium as summer approaches

In response to fan feedback calling for more access to free drinking water at Perth’s Optus Stadium, 15 new drinking water filling stations will be installed at new venue.

Western Australian venue manager VenuesWest is working with Optus Stadium operator VenuesLive to install the new facilities in time for the new year.

The move follows feedback from fans reporting long queues for drinking fountains at events.

As part of the new works, VenuesWest will also take the opportunity to retrofit the venue's existing drinking facilities with new fixtures - which will elevate the stadium's water quality above the Australian standard levels it already meets.

The Stadium Parkland's external water facilities will also be upgraded as part of the works program.

VenuesWest has elected to carry out these extra upgrades over and above regulatory requirements.

Commenting on the initiative, Western Australian Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray stated “queues for drinking fountains at Optus Stadium do get a little bit long during events (which) makes the experience a little harder for people, especially those with children, to enjoy a comfortable day out.

"With summer almost upon us, and with that the venue's first full summer of cricket, it's time to fix that oversight to ensure an even better experience for fans.

"As part of the works, VenuesWest will also upgrade the water fountains inside and outside the venue to elevate the stadium's water quality above the Australian standard levels it already meets. VenuesWest is taking this extra step to bring the fountains up to the best possible standard.

"As I have always said, drinking water at Optus Stadium and Stadium Park is safe to drink and people can continue to use the fountains as usual. Professional sampling and testing shows drinking water at Optus Stadium and Stadium Park pass all the Australian drinking water guidelines."

As part of Optus Stadium's water management planning, Ecosafe International has prepared a comprehensive report, available at www.venueswest.wa.gov.au/about/corporate-publications/