Public water fountains are common fixtures in parks, schools, and offices, offering convenient hydration. The water typically comes from the municipal supply, meaning it is generally safe and meets established quality standards. However, the safety at the point of consumption is also determined by the fountain’s maintenance and the condition of its plumbing. While disease outbreaks are infrequent, risks related to microbial presence and chemical contamination can exist, depending on the unit’s age and upkeep. Understanding these risks allows users to make informed choices and take simple precautions.
Understanding Bacterial and Biofilm Risks
The most immediate hygienic concern is the potential for microbial contamination on external surfaces and within the internal components. The mouthpiece, basin, and activation button are frequently touched areas that can harbor bacteria and viruses transferred from users, leading to cross-contamination. Studies have occasionally detected indicator organisms like total coliform bacteria, which suggest the presence of fecal contamination, although harmful microbe levels are usually low.
A more persistent issue lies within the fountain’s plumbing, where a thin, slimy layer of microorganisms known as biofilm can form on the internal walls of pipes and tubing. This biofilm can shelter pathogens such as Legionella or Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can be released into the water stream. Biofilm formation is exacerbated when water remains stagnant for extended periods, such as in less-used fountains or during building closures. Furthermore, some fountains use carbon filters to improve taste, which can inadvertently remove municipal disinfectants, allowing bacteria to grow downstream of the filter. Poor drainage and standing water in the basin also create a moist environment ideal for microbial growth.
The Threat of Chemical Contaminants in Plumbing
Beyond microbial concerns, the plumbing infrastructure of a water fountain can introduce chemical contaminants, particularly heavy metals. The primary concern is lead, which can leach into the water from lead-containing components like pipes, soldered joints, or brass fixtures, especially in older fountains or those constructed before the late 1980s. When water sits motionless in the fountain’s internal reservoir or pipes overnight, contact time with lead components increases, raising the metal concentration in the first flush of water.
Lead exposure, even at low levels, poses serious health risks, particularly for children, as it can affect neurological development. Although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has an action level of 15 micrograms per liter, the goal for lead in drinking water is zero due to its toxicity. Other metals, such as copper, can also leach from plumbing materials and have been found in water fountains, sometimes exceeding action levels. The presence of these metals is a form of secondary contamination, meaning the source is the fountain itself, not the municipal supply.
Practical Steps for Assessing Fountain Safety
Users can take several simple steps to assess and mitigate the risks associated with public water fountains before drinking. A visual inspection is the first line of defense; users should check for visible signs of poor maintenance, such as slime, mold, or algae around the spout or in the drainage basin, which indicate microbial growth. The water itself should be clear and cold, as a cloudy appearance or noticeable warmth suggests poor quality or water stagnation.
To reduce exposure to both chemical and microbial buildup, let the water run for a few seconds before drinking or filling a bottle. This action helps to flush out water that has been sitting stagnant in the internal pipes and fixtures, reducing the concentration of leached metals like lead and minimizing bacteria. Finally, avoid direct mouth contact with the spout to prevent transferring microbes. Using a personal water bottle to collect the water further minimizes contact with high-touch surfaces like the basin and buttons.