California will celebrate the nation's first Tap Water Day May 7 with an event at the Balboa Sports Center in Encino. Tap Water Day will promote the installation of hydration stations (drinking fountains that also are equipped to refill reusable bottles) across California and highlight the location and condition of existing local fountains in communities across California.

California Recreation and Parks (RAP) will unveil four water bottle filling stations at Balboa Sports Center, one of its heavily-used centers for sports activities, jogging, exercises and family activities. Constituents using these bottle filling stations will be able to refill their water containers and carry them for hydration as they do their physical activities in the park. Balboa Sports Center was selected as the site for this celebration because it uses reclaimed water and an acre of turf has been replaced by mulch.

Water will be promoted as a healthy alternative to sugary drinks. With the approach of summer and increased need for hydration during warmer weather, the water filling stations, or "hydration stations," are important city assets. RAP will invite school children who frequently use the sports center to the event so they can see the new bottle filling stations. LADWP will have a strong presence with its Pure Clean Refreshing Tap water trailer. 

Sponsors include the City of Los Angeles mayor's office, Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, California State Water Resources Control Board, Health Happens Here, The California Endowment, California-Nevada Section of AWWA and WeTap.org.