The challenge was clear. How do you keep thousands of people hydrated without piling up plastic waste? Perth Zoo welcomes more than 700,000 visitors a year. From families and school groups to international tourists, it's one of Western Australia's busiest public spaces. But keeping that many people hydrated without increasing plastic waste is a major challenge.

Sustainability is already at the heart of Perth Zoo. Bore-fed lakes, water-saving taps, dual-flush toilets and clever irrigation have cut groundwater use by more than 6.5 million litres. But there was still one big piece missing. The Zoo needed a better way to give everyone safe, easy access to drinking water.

The answer? Civiq's smart, accessible refill stations made for families and visitors of all ages. As part of a major $11.9 million water management upgrade, the Zoo installed Aquafil FlexiFountain and water refill stations. Why these stations? They’re low-maintenance, easy for everyone to use, and designed with families in mind. They fit right in with the Zoo’s focus on a great visitor experience. Each drinking station was strategically placed in a high-traffic area, ensuring easy access for all visitors. You'll find them along main walking paths and near rest spots like the BBQ and picnic area.

WHY THE FLEXIFOUNTAIN STOOD OUT

FlexiFountain wasn’t just practical. It ticked every box for sustainability, inclusion and long-lasting design. Key features include:

• A universal design that allows easy access for wheelchair and scooter users
• Child-friendly bottle fillers and large, easy-to-use push buttons
• External drainage that helps avoid puddles and blockages
• Silver-impregnated anti-bacterial nozzles for added hygiene
• Durable stainless steel construction, built for high-traffic areas
• Custom mosaic artwork featuring nature themes designed by local students

These details turn the hydration stations into part of the Zoo’s story, not just another piece of infrastructure.

THE IMPACT: 200,000L DELIVERED AND 120,000 BOTTLES AVOIDED

In just a short time, the refill stations have delivered more than 200,000 litres of clean water. That’s 120,000 single-use bottles kept out of the waste stream. This single upgrade helped unlock even bigger water wins at the Zoo, including:

• Saving 280,000 litres of drinking water in washrooms
• Diverting 2,000 cubic metres of organic waste
• Cutting groundwater use by almost 15%
• Earning national recognition for water efficiency

Perth Zoo’s upgrade is more than a win for one site. It’s a clear example for every busy public space looking to do better. At Perth Zoo, sustainability isn’t just a policy. You can see it, measure it and feel it every time someone refills their bottle.

Civiq does more than make products. The team delivers tough, smart solutions designed for real places like Perth Zoo. This is where better hydration means cleaner spaces, stronger communities and less waste. Visit Civiq via the links below to learn more