Miami-Dade launches free water refill stations at transit hubs

Miami-Dade County launched 15 free water refill stations at transit hubs, giving riders and parkgoers a new way to fill a reusable bottle with chilled, filtered water at no charge.

Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and HOPE Hydration co-founder Cristina Gnecco cut the ribbon on the program Monday, June 29, at Government Center Metrorail Station in downtown Miami. The pilot marks the first phase of what the county says will become a countywide network spanning transit stops, parks and public spaces.

"Miami-Dade is where HOPE Hydration began, so launching this partnership here is especially meaningful," Gnecco said at the ceremony.

How the stations work

Each HydroStation is a freestanding kiosk with a built-in digital screen. Riders tap a button, fill a bottle and go. Internet-connected sensors track refills in real time and display how many plastic bottles have been displaced. Nationwide, HOPE Hydration says its stations have displaced more than 5.2 million single-use bottles.

The program costs taxpayers nothing. Brand advertisements on the screens fund installation and maintenance, and the county receives a share of ad revenue, according to the county's official announcement. Stacy Miller, director and CEO of Miami-Dade's Department of Transportation and Public Works, said the stations improve the rider experience across a system that carries more than 80 million trips a year.

Extreme heat adds urgency to rollout

Heat advisories blanketed Miami-Dade County through mid- to late June 2026, with heat index values reaching 105 to 110 degrees, according to CBS News Miami. For anyone waiting at a bus stop or finishing a bike ride on the Rickenbacker Causeway, free cold water is a practical safety measure.

The company behind the technology

HOPE Hydration was founded in Miami by Jorge Richardson, Cristina Gnecco and Dave Tigue. The company raised $20 million in Series A funding in July 2025, led by water-technology firm Pentair, and earned a spot on Inc. magazine's 2025 Best in Business list for innovation. The stations can also display community information, public service announcements and emergency alerts.

What's next

The county says it plans to expand the network to parks and additional public spaces but has not announced specific locations or a timeline. Residents can sign up for updates at miamidade.gov/alerts or follow @GoMiamiDade on social media.