NMBS and AQUALEX bring free tap water to 80 stations
NMBS is fully committed to the well-being of its travelers and the protection of our planet. Together with AQUALEX, they are installing our Longo drinking water systems in more than 80 Belgian train stations. These systems allow travelers to easily drink fresh, filtered tap water—completely free of charge. What may seem small creates a significant impact on the environment, traveler comfort, and the sustainable mobility of tomorrow.
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NMBS Accelerates Green Mobility
With this project, NMBS underscores its ambition to make the train the most environmentally friendly mode of transport. In more than 80 Belgian train stations, including Gent-Dampoort, Zaventem, and Dinant, travelers can now easily refill their reusable bottles. A simple habit that helps drastically reduce plastic waste and decrease the ecological footprint of daily commuting.
Sustainable, Hygienic, and Accessible to Everyone
This project goes beyond pure ecology. NMBS and AQUALEX focus on sustainable innovation that works for everyone. The new Longo drinking water systems are equipped with braille so that people with visual impairments can use them independently. Moreover, they ensure maximum hygiene thanks to touchless operation: users don’t have to touch anything. Simply holding a hand in front of the sensor starts the water flow automatically. This completely avoids contact with frequently touched surfaces, perfectly meeting the needs of all travelers.
“We are incredibly proud to bring filtered tap water directly into stations with AQUALEX and make it accessible to everyone,” says Joren Vrijsen, KEY Account Manager Tender & Care at AQUALEX. “With this initiative, we actively contribute to reducing plastic waste and encourage a more sustainable way of traveling, where small daily choices have a big impact on our planet.”
A Project with a Heart for Local and Social Enterprise
The Longo drinking water system is rolled out not only sustainably and inclusively but also with local and social commitment. In collaboration with WAAK, a Belgian social enterprise that helps people with employment barriers find quality jobs, this project sends a powerful message. It shows how sustainable solutions can go hand in hand with social engagement and local anchoring.
Together Toward a Sustainable Future
NMBS and AQUALEX are building a future where sustainable travel is a given and every traveler feels welcome. That’s why they urge everyone: bring your reusable bottle and refill it for free at the station. Together, let’s make tap water the norm for a cleaner planet and a comfortable travel experience.
All the Advantages of the Longo
- Powerful Filter: Each unit is equipped with an NSF401-certified filter.
- Automatic Flushing: To ensure continuous hygiene (during warm temperatures or temporary low use), each system features an autoflush function.
- Protected Tap Point: The bottle rim can never come into contact with the tap point, preventing unwanted bacterial growth.
- Fully Customizable: The design of the Longo can be completely tailored to you, from color schemes to branding and even braille markings.
Where to Find Our Drinking Water Points?
Flanders: Aalst, Aarschot, De Pinte, Diest, Genk, Gent-Dampoort, Hasselt, Izegem, Lichtervelde, Liedekerke, Mol, Sint-Niklaas, Wetteren, Zaventem, and Zottegem. From 04/07/2025: Essen, Heist-op-Den-Berg, Herentals, and Sint-Truiden.
Wallonia: Andenne, Ath, Braine-l’Alleud, Braine-le-Comte, Dinant, Gembloux, Genval, Huy, La Louvière-Sud, Leuze, Libramont, Luttre, Marloie, Mouscron, Saint-Ghislain, Soignies, Tamines, Tournai, Tubize, Verviers-Central, Waremme, Waterloo, Welkenraedt, Enghien, and Jurbise.
