

Venice Tap Water | A scalable model for refill culture in high-tourism cities
Join us for an insightful presentation on Venice Tap Water, an innovative project promoting sustainable water consumption in one of the world’s most visited cities. This talk will explore how Venice (Italy), despite having safe, high-quality drinking water, faces a major environmental challenge due to the widespread use of bottled water, with over 90 tons entering the city daily. The presentation will introduce the Venice Tap Water initiative, which aims to reduce single-use plastic by encouraging both residents and tourists to use public drinking fountains. Through digital tools, mapping of over 240 fountains, and awareness campaigns, the project builds a culture of refill and responsible water use .
Attendees will learn about:
The environmental impact of bottled water in high-tourism cities
How public infrastructure and communication can change behavior
The project’s tools, including an interactive fountain map with over 1 million views
How this model can be scaled and applied to other cities worldwide
This event is ideal for anyone interested in sustainability, urban innovation, and practical solutions to reduce plastic waste.
About the Host: Venice Tap Water is a cultural and environmental initiative dedicated to promoting the use of public drinking water as a sustainable alternative to bottled water. Founded in Venice, a city facing intense tourism pressure and high levels of plastic waste, the project works to raise awareness about the quality and accessibility of tap water while encouraging more responsible consumption habits. Through tools such as a widely used digital map of over 240 public fountains, educational campaigns, and collaborations with local stakeholders, Venice Tap Water empowers both residents and visitors to reduce single-use plastic and embrace a refill culture. With a strong focus on communication, accessibility, and behavior change, the initiative has become a replicable model for other cities looking to address similar environmental challenges. By participating in Toronto Climate Week, Venice Tap Water aims to share its experience, connect with like-minded organizations, and explore opportunities to scale its impact in urban contexts worldwide.
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Connect with us:
https://www.instagram.com/venicetapwater/