The safety of water from a public drinking fountain is a common and valid concern. The safety of a drinking fountain is highly variable and depends entirely on its location, age, and, most importantly, the consistency of its maintenance. A water fountain generally refers to a device connected to a public water supply that dispenses water for drinking, often featuring a basin and a spout that directs an arc of water upward. The overall risk is determined by the condition of the fixture and its internal plumbing system, not the source water itself.
Where the Water Comes From
Public water fountains are typically connected directly to the same municipal water supply that serves nearby homes and businesses. The water entering the building’s plumbing system is governed by rigorous federal and state regulations, which include the Safe Drinking Water Act. This legislation mandates that all public water supplies meet strict standards for purity, treating the water and adding disinfectants like chlorine to control pathogens.
The water arriving at the building is considered potable and safe for consumption, having been tested for various contaminants. This safety certification applies to the water as it leaves the central treatment plant and enters the distribution network. The real concern for safety begins once this clean, treated water enters the complex internal plumbing of the building and the fountain unit itself.
How Fountains Become Contaminated
The primary risk of contamination occurs after the water leaves the main supply line and enters the fountain’s internal components. Stagnant water within the fountain’s tubing, particularly if the unit is used infrequently, encourages the formation of a slimy layer called biofilm. This biofilm is a complex matrix of bacteria, including potential pathogens like Legionella, which can grow rapidly and are protected from the residual disinfectant in the water supply.
The temperature of the water within the unit is another factor that can affect microbial growth. If the water is allowed to warm, it can enter the favorable temperature range for bacteria like Legionella, which is between 77 and 113 degrees Fahrenheit. Furthermore, the physical design of the fountain’s spout or nozzle is a direct vector for contamination from users. Backwash from a drinker’s mouth, external debris, and dust can easily transfer germs to the spout, contacting the water stream.
Older fixtures are a separate concern because they may contain materials that introduce chemical contaminants. Historically, plumbing components like pipes and soldered joints contained lead, which can leach into standing water. If a fountain is not flushed regularly, the water can absorb trace amounts of heavy metals from the internal workings. Coliform bacteria, an indicator of potential fecal contamination, has also been detected on the surfaces of fountain buttons and spouts.
Regulation and Maintenance Standards
While the source water is heavily regulated, the ongoing maintenance and cleanliness of individual water fountain units often fall to the facility owner, such as a school, park, or airport. Local health departments may have general oversight, but consistent, proactive maintenance is crucial and often varies by location. Proper maintenance involves regularly flushing the unit to replace stagnant water in the internal pipes with fresh, disinfected water from the main line.
Facility staff should also follow a consistent schedule for cleaning and sanitizing the basin and the spout to prevent the buildup of grime and microbial films. For units that include a filter, it must be replaced at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals, as an old filter can become a breeding ground for bacteria. In high-risk locations or older buildings, mandatory testing for contaminants like lead and copper is sometimes required. Users can assess a fountain’s cleanliness by checking for visible rust, mold, or low water flow, which can signal neglect and potential internal stagnation.