What You Should Know About Drinking from a Public Water Fountain

When you drink from a public water fountain, have you ever stopped to consider the risks? The most notable risks from drinking from a water fountain include: Viruses, bacteria, the quality of water, and whether the water fountain meets all the government established safety guidelines.

The government is responsible for regulating drinking water fountains. These guidelines were put in place in order to protect the welfare of the public. Unfortunately, some people who install water fountains don’t know about these regulations, or choose to not follow them. In either case, it is a serious violation of public safety and health. When a water fountain is installed, it is best if the fountain was given a guarantee of quality and inspected by a government official.

It’s no secret that viruses and germs can be found on all types of publicly shared items. Items such as: Benches, playground toys, door handles, public restrooms, grocery carts, and drinking water fountains. Improvements have been made to water fountains to better protect people from germs and viruses. For example, improvements were made on the angle of the spout where the water comes from. The accessibility of the spout has been improved. Filters at the source of the water have been improved. Even the basin design, of the drinking fountain, helps to make the water from the fountain safer and cleaner.

Brief History of Drinking Water Fountain Safety

At the start of the 20^th century, there was an epidemic of illnesses related to public drinking fountains. Back then, the spout had a vertical flow, instead of the now familiar angled flow. The government realized that the vertical water flow was the culprit. In fact, they compared drinking from a fountain as everyone just sharing the same cup. They then took action and made vertical flow spouts illegal. They also enacted a series of laws and regulations in regards to the cleanliness and quality of public water fountains.

The next concern came when it was realized that lead in water was harmful to people. At that point, the government regulated what type of piping could be used on drinking fountains. Today, there are many more regulations in place to help protect the public. These regulations include water filters at the source, a covered spout to help prevent people’s lips from touching the spout.

The covered spout also helps prevent the water that was splashed on the mouth to splash back onto the spout. There is a minimum height requirement of the water flow. It must flow at least 4 inches, so a cup may be placed under the spout. There are also regulations for accommodations of kids and physically challenged people. There are many more regulations; all put in place, to keep water fountains safe for all that use them.

Public Places

Water fountains are most prevalent in schools and parks; to allow easy access of water to those using those facilities. It is important to realize that germs cover the surfaces of these places, including the drinking fountains and it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to disinfect these surfaces. One way to combat this problem is using temperature control. Refrigeration units control the temperatures of the drinking fountain, according to government specifications. The cold temperature allows the water fountain to kill germs on the surface.

As previously mentioned, there should also be a filter at the water source. The filter is there because water source itself may be a problem in regards to germs and microorganisms. By having a water filter on the fountain, there is insurance that the water will not have impurities, harmful microorganisms, or bacteria in it.

In conclusion, it is generally safe to drink from a public water fountain. The advances in regulations and physical design of the fountains have helped to make water fountains a safe drinking source. If you are truly concerned about some of the risks pointed out, it may be better for you to buy bottled water, or bring a container of tap water when you go out.