New Water Bottle Refill Stations Coming to the George Washington Memorial Parkway

Before and after replacement of a water fountain along the Mount Vernon Trail.

NPS

The George Washington Memorial Parkway is taking steps to improve access to clean drinking water while reducing waste. Thanks to support from Potomac Runners, DC Road Runners, American Water Charitable Foundation, Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail, and a grant from the National Park Foundation and Subaru of America, the park is replacing and upgrading up to 14 new accessible water bottle refill stations at high-priority locations.

These new stations will provide reliable, year-round access to safe drinking water and encourage the use of reusable water bottles, reduce waste and support the long-term protection of the Parkway’s natural and cultural resources.

Enhancing the Visitor Experience

Many of the Parkway’s existing drinking fountains are aging and often unavailable during colder months. Key locations along the Mount Vernon Trail lack consistent water access, even though they’re popular year-round.

The new freeze-resistant stations are designed to stay operational in winter, ensuring visitors can access clean water whenever they visit. They’ll also make it easier for people to refill reusable bottles. These new stations also feature a built-in bowl to keep our four-legged visitors hydrated too.

Promoting Environmental Stewardship

This project is part of a broader effort to reduce pollution along the Potomac River and throughout the Parkway. By encouraging reusable bottles, the park is helping protect the watershed, its wildlife, and the millions who live and recreate in the region.

A Collaborative Effort

This initiative is made possible through partnerships with several local organizations, including the Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail, Friends of Dyke Marsh, National Park Foundation, Potomac Conservancy, Potomac Riverkeeper Network, Potomac Runners, and Four Mile Run Conservancy.

The new stations are made in the USA and include a drinking fountain for dogs on the trail as well.

Project Timeline

Installation is underway and will continue in phases through fall 2025 and into 2026. Two stations have already been installed. One is along the Mount Vernon Trail near Alexandria Avenue and another one on Theodore Roosevelt Island. Work has begun on installing the other 12, beginning on the southern end of the Mount Vernon Trail near George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Installations will move north through August and September, replacing fountains at Fort Hunt, Belle Haven, and Jones Point. In October, work will shift to Theodore Roosevelt Island. Over the winter, fountains at Great Falls Park, Lady Bird Johnson Park, and the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial will be upgraded.

Supporting the Parkway’s Future

By expanding access to drinking water and encouraging reusable bottles, this project supports the Parkway’s mission to protect the Potomac River corridor while serving millions of visitors each year. Whether you're biking the Mount Vernon Trail, walking your dog at Belle Haven Park, or exploring Fort Hunt with your family, we encourage you to bring a reusable bottle and help protect your park.

Stay tuned for updates as the project progresses. Follow us on social media for news, progress photos, and new refill station locations as they come online.

 

Locations of drinking fountains being replaced throughout the park.

NPS

 

Detailed view of locations of water fountains being replaced.

NPS