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Utilities Kingston website

Important note: We’re no longer accepting water buggy bookings for 2024. Check back in 2025 for availability. Thank you!

Safe, mobile drinking water in the community

We're proud to supply safe, reliable drinking water in the City of Kingston. That's why we're especially glad to bring quality mobile tap water to selected events in the local community. The Utilities Kingston water buggy is a mobile water distribution system that operates at local events during the summer months.

But don't forget to bring your refillable bottle to festivals and events this summer so you too can enjoy free, safe and reliable tap water. BYOWB (bring your own water bottle)!

Did you know?

Kingston’s municipal drinking water exceeds all provincial water quality standards. Check our annual reports on water quality.

Safe, quality tap water

The Utilities Kingston water buggy is maintained in accordance with operational guidelines and public health regulations. The water buggy is set up by certified water treatment operators. During events, sanitization and cleaning procedures are followed by Utilities Kingston staff who are trained to operate the water buggy.

Quick facts about the Utilities Kingston water buggy

  • Each unit holds 1,400 litres. When the onboard stainless steel tank is filled once, it diverts 2,800 plastic bottles from waste.
  • Each unit has eight water fountains and eight bottle fill stations.
  • The buggy can supply a continuous supply of water when hooked to a municipal water supply. For locations where that’s not possible, the onboard stainless steel tank can be filled and water can be transported to the site.

The Utilities Kingston water buggy

  • The water buggy is accessible to both small children and people with disabilities.
  • The units are powered by sustainable energy. Solar panels provide electricity to the water pump and on-board water treatment system.
  • The units can be used in emergency situations to provide safe, portable drinking water.

Availability

Bookings are generally available any day of the week between May and August on a first-come, first-served basis. If your event falls outside this timeframe, please contact us – we may be able to accommodate your request.

Cost to book the buggy

Utilities Kingston operates the buggy as a community service to promote the value of our safe, reliable drinking water. However, in consideration of our rate paying water customers, we do charge a nominal fee to cover operating costs. Costs vary depending on several factors, as described in the chart below.

Please contact us for a quotation and payment arrangements, by emailing waterbuggy@utilitieskingston.com

Method to fill tank Advantages & disadvantages Fee Details
Direct-connect
The buggy receives water at the event from a ¾" water tap connected to the municipal water supply. Food grade hoses take water from the tap to the buggy. Prior to hook up, the water source must be approved by Utilities Kingston staff.
  • Continuous supply of water
  • Lower booking fees
  • Placement restricted to 150 feet or less from water source (tap)
 $350.00 
+ tax
  • Use of the Utilities Kingston water buggy for one day
  • Utilities Kingston staff to set up and operate the water buggy during the event
  • Transportation of the buggy to the event
$150.00 
+ tax
  • Use of the Utilities Kingston water buggy for each additional day at the same event
  • Utilities Kingston staff to set up and operate the water buggy during the event
$75.00 
+ tax
  • Additional towing required (one-way) or multiple-day events where the water buggy must be moved offsite for overnight storage
Bulk-fill
The buggy arrives at the event with its 1,400-litre tank pre-filled with municipal tap water.
  • Placement is not restricted by location of water source
  • Higher booking fee
  • Limited to 1400 litres supply of water, and some time off-site is needed to re-fill
 $350.00 
+ tax
  • Use of the Utilities Kingston water buggy for one day
  • Utilities Kingston staff to set up and operate the buggy during the event
  • Transportation of the Utilities Kingston water buggy to the event, and for re-filling as needed

Booking the buggy

If you are interested in booking the Utilities Kingston water buggy for your event, submit your request at least three weeks in advance. Requests submitted less than three weeks prior to the event will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

To submit your request, please ensure:

  • The event is held between the months of May through August. Beyond this time window, due to staffing, applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • The event is over four hours in length taking place (for the most part) during daylight hours.
  • The site meets Utilities Kingston’s Water Buggy requirements:
    • Located on a level surface.
    • Easy access for tow vehicle.
    • Adequate clearance around the Utilities Kingston Water Buggy for easy access to fountains/faucets.
    • Relatively close to the main event activities.
    • If draining from grey water tank, positioned close to drain or ditch.

To book the water buggy for your event, email waterbuggy@utilitieskingston.com, and have the following information ready:

  • Date and location of your event
  • Number of anticipated participants
  • Contact information
  • Availability of municipal water hook-up, if known
  • If you prefer to pay over the phone, have your Visa or MasterCard ready as well

Once you’ve confirmed your booking, don’t forget to remind your event participants to bring their refillable bottles to your event.