Last Updated:December 29, 2025, 11:39 IST
These water vending machines have been installed across the city to reduce reliance on bottled water and plastic pollution.
Tourists can refill their water bottles for Rs 10 at water ATMs. (Photo Credit: Instagram)
In a thoughtful move to tackle plastic pollution, Ooty has introduced water ATMs across the city. The initiative aims to cut down the excessive use of single-use plastic bottles, especially among tourists who visit the town in large numbers throughout the year. Much like conventional ATMs, where people withdraw cash with a card, water ATMs allow people to refill their water bottles for a small fee.
In an Instagram video, a woman shared her experience using a water ATM. She took her empty bottle to a kiosk and asked the attendant to fill it. When she asked how much she would be charged to refill the bottle, the worker replied Rs 10. The latter uncapped the bottle and filled clean, warm water from a machine. These water ATMs dispense clean drinking water, making it convenient for both locals and tourists to access safe water without purchasing the bottled alternatives.
Woman Shares How This Small Idea Has A “Big Impact” On The Environment
In the caption, the woman, who was visiting Ooty, mentioned, “This is why Ooty is special. Plastic bottles are banned, so they provide warm drinking water through water ATMs. Small idea. Big impact.” Sharing a tip, she continued, “Travel tip for Ooty: Carry a reusable bottle. Rs 10 water ATM gives warm drinking water — eco-friendly & thoughtful.”
Internet Is Divided Over Water ATMs
Her video quickly caught the attention of social media users, and a section of people appreciated the move as a practical solution to growing environmental issues. One user said, “I wish this was a standard practice all over the country!”
“I have seen the water ATMs at railway stations, metro, etc. But dispensing warm water is a step ahead,” another added.
A different individual quipped, “Good concept, poor design. When one used (Juthi) bottle touches the nozzle, the next user is already at risk. Hygiene gets compromised.”
Someone else pointed out the downside of such water ATMs, saying, “Looks all good and nice till they lack maintenance. The water is way less safe than packaged drinking water, as you’re trusting a machine whose maintenance schedule is unknown, unlike the factory-sealed packaged bottles, which are manufactured with regularly maintained machines.”
“The problem here is infection spread. Some infected people sip and drink, and give the bottle for a refill. If the bottle mouth touches the tap mouth. The infection spread will be unstoppable to other people who come to refill. It’s not only here; it’s found in many hotels too in urban areas,” another person shared.
According to a report by The Hindu, earlier this month, District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru inaugurated fully automated water vending machines at Ooty Lake and Boat House. This marked the first step toward fixing several water ATMs in the Nilgiris district.
The new machines have been provided by a private water company and are being maintained by women’s self-help groups. As per the district administration, 93 water ATMs were installed across the Nilgiris after plastic water bottles were banned a few years ago.
Location :
Delhi, India, India
First Published:
December 29, 2025, 11:39 IST
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