Have you ever wondered how safe it is to drink from a water fountain? Where is the water from? Do they have filters? And if they do, how frequently are they changed?

These are all essential questions that you should ask before deciding to take a sip.

The short answer is most public water fountains are not filtered. While some places may have filtration systems in place, this is not always the case.

Standalone water fountains that are regularly serviced and cleaned are safe to drink from. However, older or less-maintained fountains can be breeding grounds for bacteria and other contaminants, making them a health hazard.

Types of Filters Used in Water Fountains

There are two main types of filters used to make water from public fountains safe to drink.

Sand Filters

Sand filters are the most popular choice for water fountain filtration systems. This type of filter works by trapping dirt and other particles, including bacteria in the sand bed. The sand bed also helps to remove chlorine from the water, which can be beneficial for those who are sensitive to its taste or smell.

A dosing pump is then used to keep the chlorine levels in the water at a safe level.

Carbon Filters

Carbon filters are also used in water fountain filtration systems, and they work by trapping contaminants in the filter’s pores. They are especially effective at removing sediment and odors, as well as improving taste.

Do Water Fountains Have Filters

These filters usually need to be replaced every three months or so, depending on the water quality and amount of usage.

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Water fountains in schools and offices that are accessed frequently usually have filters in place to ensure clean drinking water. It is always important to check the quality of a fountain’s water before taking a sip.

Public fountains are not always filtered, and it is wise to proceed with caution when drinking from one.

Benefits Of Filtering Your Water

Having a filtered fountain can offer several benefits including improved taste, odor and clarity of your drinking water. It also works well to reduce contaminants that might be present in your water such as lead and chlorine.

By removing these contaminants, a water filter can help protect those who drink from your fountain against potential illness or disease caused by contaminated drinking water.

It also helps to reduce maintenance costs associated with cleaning up sediment buildup in your fountain’s pipes and basin due to unfiltered water.

The Importance Of Regular Maintenance

It’s important to note that even if you have a filtered fountain, regular maintenance is still key for keeping your fountain running smoothly and safely for a long time.

  • Check your water fountain regularly to make sure that no signs of wear and tear are present.
  • It’s also a good idea to clean the fountainhead, basin, and pipes at least once a month to get rid of dirt and bacteria.
  • Sediment buildup is another issue that can be caused by unfiltered water, so make sure to have the filter changed or replaced at least once every three months.
  • Replacing worn-out parts on a regular basis can help you avoid costly repairs down the line.
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At the end of the day, with regular maintenance and a good filtration system, you can rest easy knowing that your water from the fountain is safe and clean to drink.

A Brief History of Water Fountains (When Were Water Fountains Invented?)

Water fountains have been around for centuries and continue to be popular fixtures in both public places and private residences alike.

Do Water Fountains Have Filters

The First Water Fountain

Water fountains as we know them today were first invented in 3000 B.C. when a goddess was depicted holding a basin filled with water from a nearby spring. This early fountain used gravity instead of mechanical pumps to move the water.

If the water source was located at a higher elevation than the fountain itself, it would flow downwards and out of the spigot naturally.

Early Roman Fountains

During the Roman Empire, public water fountains were commonplace. These were often elaborate structures featuring statues or basins carved out of stone or marble.

The Romans were also the first to use aqueducts, which allowed them to access fresh water from distant sources and bring it into cities using gravity-fed systems. This meant that even people who lived far away from natural wells could access clean drinking water.

Modern Fountains 

In the 16th century, mechanical pumps became available which allowed for more intricate designs with multiple levels and spouts. This opened up new possibilities for designers and artists to create more elaborate structures.

Since then, fountains have become increasingly popular as public works of art around the world. Some modern examples include the iconic Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas and the Trevi Fountain in Rome – both draw in millions of visitors each year.

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Final Thoughts

Water fountains can provide clean, refreshing drinking water when properly maintained with a filter system in place.

While most public fountains don’t have filters installed, there are some that do which can help improve taste, odor, and clarity while also reducing contaminants such as lead and chlorine from entering your drinking supply.

It’s important to remember though that regular maintenance is still key for keeping your fountain running smoothly and safely over time.

By taking the necessary steps to keep your fountain clean and properly maintained, you can ensure that everyone who drinks from it is getting safe, clean water.

About the author

I started working as a quality control manager with the Water Authority of Nassau County in 2005. After a few years, I moved into Water Waste Prevention, where I currently work as the production supervisor. I love my job and the people I work with, but most of all I love spending time with my family.