1d ago

What percent of drinking fountains that you encounter work?

Since I left school I feel like nearly every water fountain I come by doesn't work. Maybe 70% of indoor ones don't work and 80% of outdoor ones don't work. Is this a US lack of public investment thing or are they just really annoying to maintain so no one does it anywhere. Is there a place where MLKs dream lives on and anyone can get a drink of water for free?

And by work I mean you're able to drink from them without making out with the slow dribble coming out of it.

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7 comments

They are not that common here in Germany in general, but my city has in the past years put up a dozen or so, mainly in public parks.
They are maintained by our municipal utility service and are basically always in perfect condition.
At least during summer. Being outdoor installations they are shut down (actually completely removed) during the winter months.
Other than that I only had one in elementary school 30 years ago, which also worked and a lot of actual natural springs with drinking outlets that are often maintained by rural communities.
Our city also has one of those natural water drinking fountains, but as it is the (still maintained and monitored) remains of a thermal baths project from a hundred years ago, it is not so suitable for actually quenching your thirst. Full of crazy salts and minerals with a faintly sulfuric aroma on top - but supposed to be healthy :-)
So, in general: no complaints where I live.

7 comments