The Role of Drinking Water Fountains in Sustainable Urban Development

Access to Free Drinking Water for Residents and Visitors

The primary purpose of drinking water fountains is to provide free and accessible drinking water for everyone. This allows residents, tourists, and other users of public spaces to have easy access to clean water, especially during hot days or in high-traffic areas.

This directly helps prevent dehydration and encourages healthier choices by reducing the consumption of sugary drinks.

In cities like Paris and Zurich, an extensive network of drinking water points positively impacts public health and the quality of urban life. 

Similarly, these fountains can play a crucial role in public spaces such as parks, squares, and city centers around the world, providing an essential service that benefits both locals and visitors alike. 

Health Benefits and Sustainable Design of Public Fountains

Drinking water fountains offer significant health benefits by providing a healthier alternative to sugary drinks. Access to clean water helps reduce the consumption of unhealthy beverages, improving the overall well-being of city residents.

Many European cities have embraced this approach by offering thousands of drinking water points, some of which even provide sparkling water for residents and visitors. This initiative provides a comprehensive alternative to disposable bottled beverages and offers an easy, sustainable option for hydration.

Modern fountains are often equipped with advanced technologies such as antibacterial spouts and self-cleaning systems, ensuring not only water quality but also hygiene. These features make fountains a reliable source of water, especially in densely populated urban areas where health concerns are paramount.

Inclusivity in Public Water Tap Installations

Modern drinking water fountains are designed with accessibility in mind for various users. 

This means that distribution points are available at different heights, allowing both wheelchair users and pedestrians to easily access drinking water.

This inclusive approach ensures that everyone, regardless of mobility, can access water in public spaces, fostering an environment where every citizen feels welcome. These designs also account for a wide range of users, from people on foot to those with disabilities, creating a more equitable public space.

Multifunctional Water Installations for Humans and Animals

Some models of our drinking water fountains are multifunctional, catering to various needs.

These fountains include basins positioned at a suitable height for dogs, allowing both humans and their four-legged companions to enjoy fresh water together.

These designs are particularly useful in parks and other recreational areas where pet owners frequent. In addition, these models feature special bottle-filling stations for athletes and passersby, providing a convenient way to refill reusable water bottles.

This functionality ensures that fountains serve a diverse audience, allowing animals and active individuals to stay hydrated while going about their activities.

Reducing Plastic Waste with Sustainable Solutions

One of the most tangible advantages of drinking water fountains is their ability to significantly reduce the use of single-use plastics. By providing easy access to drinking water, these installations help reduce the use of plastic bottles, making cities cleaner and lowering the ecological footprint.

Paris, for example, has over 1,200 drinking water points, including the iconic Wallace fountains, and continues to expand and modernize this network. These fountains play a key role in reducing plastic bottle use, actively encouraging residents and visitors to use reusable bottles by adding special refill stations to many fountains. This ensures that locals and tourists alike always have access to water, drastically reducing the need for single-use bottles.

In 2019, Eau de Paris launched the “Paris de l’eau zéro déchet plastique” (Paris water zero plastic waste) campaign to promote the use of reusable bottles and discourage the purchase of plastic ones. This initiative helps reduce 7 kg of plastic waste per person annually.

Other European cities, such as London and Rome, have also seen significant success with these initiatives.

In London, more than 100 new water fountains have been installed, while Rome’s iconic nasoni fountain network helps avoid thousands of liters of plastic waste each year, thanks to widespread use of reusable bottles by both residents and tourists.

Zurich has also strongly embraced sustainability, with the integration of drinking water points throughout the city, contributing to both waste reduction and increased environmental awareness.

Strategic Integration in Public Design

Drinking water fountains must be strategically placed to maximize their potential. 

They are increasingly being installed in public spaces such as parks, squares, sports facilities, and along busy pedestrian routes. They provide passersby and users with free and clean drinking water, contributing to public health while reducing plastic waste.

In addition to supplying drinking water in densely populated urban environments, fountains can also serve other practical functions. In some municipalities, special fountains are installed in cemeteries, where they are used to fill watering cans with rainwater. These fountains are often equipped with an adjustable water distribution system that helps minimize water waste by delivering only the necessary amount. This prevents taps from being left open unnecessarily, which is a common issue with traditional water systems.

Similar systems are also used in community gardens, where users often rely on water for irrigating crops. With these adjustable water distribution systems, resources are used more efficiently, reducing waste and conserving water. This approach aligns perfectly with sustainable urban development and responsible water resource management.

By strategically placing these fountains and expanding their functionalities, they not only improve the quality of life in urban areas but also play a key role in sustainable water management in specific environments such as cemeteries and community gardens.

Why Invest in Public Drinking Water Fountains?

• Reducing Plastic Waste: Fewer plastic bottles mean a smaller ecological footprint and less waste.
• Accessibility for All: Drinking fountains with distribution points at different heights and facilities for pets promote inclusivity and cater to a wide range of users​.
• Health Benefits: Free and easily accessible water encourages healthier choices and helps prevent dehydration.
• Social Value: Drinking water fountains foster social interaction and strengthen community bonds in public spaces.
• Versatility: These fountains can serve other environments, such as cemeteries and community gardens, offering ecological and functional benefits.