Miami-Dade County launches free hydration stations in partnership with HOPE Hydration to keep residents cool, hydrated, and reduce plastic waste

Staying refreshed in Miami-Dade is about to become easier, smarter and more sustainable. Miami-Dade County and the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) have partnered with HOPE Hydration to launch a countywide pilot program of HydroStations – modern, self-funded hydration stations that provide free, chilled and filtered water at transit hubs and public spaces, making it easier for residents and visitors to stay hydrated while helping reduce plastic waste.

Known for bringing eco-friendly refill stations to major events and public gathering spaces, HOPE Hydration makes it easy for people to refill reusable bottles instead of reaching for a plastic one.

To date, more than 5.2 million plastic bottles have been saved through the use of these refill stations nationwide. The rollout launches with an initial 15 HydroStations and is designed to scale to a countywide network spanning transit hubs, parks, and public spaces, serving the millions of residents and visitors who move through Miami-Dade each year.          

"Great communities are built through partnerships that improve everyday life while protecting our environment," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. "These hydration stations will expand access to free drinking water, reduce plastic waste and help build a greener, more sustainable Miami-Dade. It's a simple idea that delivers meaningful benefits for our residents and visitors.

The program is being delivered through a public-private partnership at no cost to taxpayers. Powered by brand sponsorships, the HydroStations provide a free public service while also generating revenue for the County.

"Miami-Dade is where HOPE Hydration began, so launching this partnership here is especially meaningful," said Cristina Gnecco, COO and Co-Founder of HOPE Hydration. "We're proud to help make free drinking water more accessible while supporting a healthier, more sustainable community."

In addition to providing drinking water, the stations can also display community information, public service announcements and emergency alerts.

"Our focus is to find meaningful ways to improve the rider experience." said Stacy L. Miller, Director and CEO of Miami-Dade County’s Department of Transportation and Public Works. "With more than 80 million trips taken on Miami-Dade Transit each year, these hydration stations do just that – making our system more comfortable, convenient, and better equipped to serve our community.”

Miami-Dade County and HOPE Hydration will celebrate the launch with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Government Center Metrorail Station, Mezzanine Level, located at 101 NW First Street in Miami.

To stay informed about transit service updates and alerts, riders can sign up at miamidade.gov/alerts or follow @GoMiamiDade on  Facebook,  X , LinkedIn,and Instagram, and @IRideMDT on X.