September 16, 2025 (SOMERVILLE, MA) – Mass General Brigham Health Plan today announced a new program, “Hydrate for Health,” that focuses on creating access to sustainable, free, and clean drinking water at multiple public locations, as well as education about the importance of staying hydrated.
Mass General Brigham Health Plan is expanding water availability in communities across Massachusetts, while encouraging reusable bottles and helping to reduce single-use plastic waste, which is a major contributor to microplastic pollution.
The program launched with the installation of a “hydration station,” located at 100 Seaport Boulevard in Boston. There are also plans for an upcoming installation at 300 Grand Union Boulevard in Somerville in late September 2025, as well as an ongoing evaluation of other locations. These hydration stations feature a water fountain, bottle refill spot, and a dog bowl. Each hydration station provides approximately 13 gallons, or 208 cups, of free water daily.
“We understand that clean, drinkable water outside of the home is often cost-prohibitive, which can lead to purchases of beverages that may also contain excessive sugar. We are committed to removing that barrier for our community, while also promoting sustainability, by providing free hydration stations,” said Stanley Hochberg, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Mass General Brigham Health Plan.
The National Library of Medicine reports that limited access to free and clean drinking water is significantly associated with lower diet quality and higher intake of bottled and sugar-sweetened beverages, leading to a negative impact on overall health.
Complementing “Hydrate for Health,” Mass General Brigham Health Plan is providing education on the importance of overall health and sponsoring community-based events focused on expanding access to wellness opportunities. These community sponsorships feature the hydration stations, which will be in place on an ongoing basis throughout the year, and include:
- Seaport Sweat: The biggest free workout series in Boston that offers access to a variety of new fitness classes and instructors on Seaport Common. Classes are free and open to the public, welcoming all fitness levels now through the end of September.
- Club Volo: A sports league in Somerville’s Assembly Row neighborhood that is home to 12 pickleball courts, four sand volleyball courts, and extra space for bocce and cornhole.
About Mass General Brigham Health Plan
Mass General Brigham Health Plan serves commercial, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid members. For almost 40 years, Mass General Brigham Health Plan has been committed to delivering exceptional member experiences. As a member of Mass General Brigham, we are advancing innovative solutions through value-based care models that center on the health needs of our members and enable seamless and affordable care.
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