BWS Launches $3 Purified Water Refill Station in San Pedro

Belize Water Services (BWS) marked the start of October with the soft launch of “Raindrop,” a community pilot project to improve access to affordable drinking water in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. The initiative features a vending machine offering five gallons of purified water for $3, with an ice vending service expected in the coming weeks.
The launch ceremony took place on Thursday, October 1st, shortly after 10AM at the BWS San Pedro Office. BWS Corporate Communications Manager Karina Montejo welcomed invited guests and local officials, noting that the project had been in development for some time. She said the company was pleased to offer island residents purified water at a reduced cost.
BWS Chairman Cornelio Acosta said the initiative aims to provide convenient access to quality drinking water while offering customers savings compared with other options on the market.
“This is another way for BWS to ensure that we as a company continue to invest in the future of the communities that we serve, looking at practical ways to continue providing value and relief to our valued customers,” he said.
Acosta explained that BWS plans to use the pilot project to assess how customers use the machine and determine whether it needs modifications before introducing similar water and ice vending machines elsewhere in the country.
He also highlighted the project’s environmental benefits. “Every refill presents an opportunity to reuse a container and reduce reliance on single-use plastics, while encouraging more responsible consumption,” he stated.
The water dispenser accepts coins only, with instructions displayed on the front of the machine. Customers can also rinse their empty containers before filling them. Acosta said the company was awaiting a component needed to make the ice vending service operational.
Mayor Gualberto “Wally” Nuñez welcomed the initiative, describing it as another convenient option for the island’s growing population. He said cooperation between organizations such as BWS, and the Town Council can deliver practical improvements that benefit residents.
Nuñez added that services should expand alongside the community and described the vending machine as a step towards a more accessible, resilient, and sustainable San Pedro.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony followed the remarks, opening the water refill service to the public. Attendees received water samples and refreshments.
Some guests said the project could help households manage the high cost of living. They noted that five-gallon containers of drinking water currently cost between $7.50 and $8.50 at local stores. At $3 per refill, the BWS service offers savings of $4.50 to $5.50 compared with those reported prices.