Staff Writer
ROCKPORT — Calling it a move to reduce the use of plastic water bottles, a grassroots and town effort has resulted in the installation of new water bottle filling stations around downtown for public use.
Those behind the installations, which include town officials, several Rockport students, residents, and members of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, hope they lead to a reduction in unwanted trash in town and serve to encourage proper hydration.
The four new water bottle refilling stations join other stations already in place in some town buildings and at Rockport Elementary and Middle High schools. The new stations are at the following locations:
— T-Wharf, in the vestibule of the brick building housing the Rockport Harbormaster officer and public restrooms.
— Rockport Public Library, 17 School St.
— Rockport Town Hall, 34 Broadway.
— Harvey Park, near the intersection of Broadway and Mount Pleasant Street.
Resident Sharon Byrne Kishida said the new water stations provide easy access to free drinking water, reduce the consumption of sugar found in many beverages, and avoid the use of single-use drink containers.
“These refilling stations make a strong statement to all that the town of Rockport cares about our health and environment by encouraging reuse and waste avoidance,” Kishida said. “I hope other communities follow Rockport’s lead.”
Kishida said she thinks the stations will be successful.
“I think it will say to all that we are a community who cares about our environment — this very special island we call home,” she said.
Money raised to finance the purchase of the water bottle refilling stations came in part from money raised during a previous Motif No. 1 race and a graduation gift from a recent Rockport High School class.
Kishida said the addition of the new water bottle refilling stations was a collaborative effort.
“This is one of the ways any community could reduce the use of single-serve containers, especially lightweight plastic containers that often litter our communities and for us on Cape Ann — our beautiful beaches,” she said. “Thanks to the town of Rockport, Rockport Public School students’ advocacy, the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and others for making this happen.”
The recent 2026 Rockport tourist map produced by the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce displays the stations — identified by the image of a drop of water next to a bottle — and their locations. The newest station, in Harvey Park near the Broadway crosswalk, will be included with the others on next year’s map.
Stephen Hagan may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or shagan@gloucestertimes.com.