Yes, it is possible to get sick from a public water fountain, but the risk varies widely depending on its condition and maintenance. A public water fountain can become a vector for illness through two primary pathways: surface contamination and water quality issues. The risk is generally low in well-maintained systems that adhere to health standards. Understanding the source of contamination is the first step toward mitigating potential health risks associated with these shared hydration sources.
Where the Contamination Hides: Surface vs. Water
Contamination is categorized as either a surface issue or a water quality issue, each presenting a different mechanism for illness transmission. The most common concern is surface contamination, where external parts of the fountain act as fomites. Surfaces like the activation button, the spout, and the basin are frequently touched by many hands and come into contact with saliva and respiratory droplets.
Microorganisms left behind by one user can transfer to the next person who touches the surface and then their face, leading to cross-contamination. Studies show that fountain spigots and buttons can harbor millions of bacterial cells per square inch, often making them highly contaminated surfaces in a public space. This external risk depends largely on user hygiene and cleaning frequency.
Water quality contamination involves issues originating within the plumbing system or the water source itself. This occurs when water sits stagnant in internal pipes, allowing microorganisms to grow in a biofilm. Older fountains may also contribute contamination if internal components contain lead or copper, which can leach into the standing water. Though the municipal supply is typically clean, problems often develop downstream within the building’s internal piping system.
Common Pathogens Transmitted
The types of pathogens that cause illness generally align with the two modes of transmission. Surface-related illnesses are often caused by viruses and bacteria transmitted through hand-to-mouth contact. Norovirus, which causes acute gastroenteritis, has been detected on water fountain handles.
Influenza A and common cold viruses can also be transferred from contaminated buttons and spouts following contact with respiratory droplets. Bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and fecal coliforms, which indicate unsanitary conditions, can be found on external surfaces. These germs cause gastrointestinal upset or skin infections following direct contact.
Water-related pathogens are typically bacteria that thrive in the plumbing system’s internal environment. Legionella pneumophila, responsible for Legionnaires’ disease, can colonize biofilm within stagnant water lines, especially if the temperature is between 68°F and 113°F (20°C and 45°C). Inhaling water droplets or mist containing the bacteria can cause a severe form of pneumonia. Protozoa such as Giardia and bacteria like E. coli can also contaminate the water supply, often leading to gastrointestinal symptoms.
Factors Affecting Fountain Safety
Multiple systemic and environmental factors influence the overall safety of a drinking fountain. A key issue is the design, especially older models featuring a vertical water stream (a bubbler) that allows direct mouth-to-spout contact. Modern designs produce a laminar, arching flow of water and incorporate protective guards, helping prevent backflow and contact.
Maintenance and cleaning protocols are the most important factor in preventing contamination. Regular cleaning of external surfaces is necessary to disrupt the colonization of bacteria and viruses deposited by users. Internal safety requires routine flushing of water lines, often for several minutes, to remove stagnant water and prevent the accumulation of biofilm and heavy metals. Replacing filters on schedule is also necessary, as a carbon filter can remove disinfectant and become a habitat for bacterial growth if not changed.
Environmental conditions, particularly temperature, also play a role. Stagnant water that is allowed to warm up, such as in lines exposed to sunlight, creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria like Legionella. Proper location and insulation of the fountain’s internal components are important to maintain a water temperature that discourages microbial growth.
Minimizing Your Risk When Drinking
Individuals can take several simple steps to reduce their risk when using a public water fountain. Before drinking, visually inspect the fountain for any signs of visible grime, debris, or discoloration. If the water appears cloudy or has a noticeable odor, avoid using it.
When activating the fountain, allow the water to run for a few seconds before drinking to flush out water sitting in the spout or internal tubing. Avoid letting your mouth or a water bottle make direct contact with the spout or nozzle, as this is the primary way surface contamination is transferred. Using a reusable bottle and filling it without touching the spout is a more hygienic alternative.
If you must press a button or lever, consider using a tissue or your elbow to minimize direct hand contact with the high-touch surface. Washing your hands or using an alcohol-based sanitizer immediately after using the fountain further reduces the chance of transferring surface germs to your face or food.