Are public water fountains safe?
Monroe Doyle
2025-06-23 17:10:30
Count answers: 12
The good news is that disease outbreaks from drinking from water fountains in public are exceptionally rare. This, coupled with the advancements in drinking water technology, means there are now more products available that fight bacteria right at the point of dispensing. People may be concerned about the areas around the tap that people touch, such as the basin, and handles. As with any surface - be it a door handle, a petrol pump, or physical money - viruses can live on contaminated surfaces. A drinking fountain is no different. Regular cleaning and maintenance of drinking fountains is important, and most schools, gyms, and public areas should be equipped with the right information about keeping fountains clean. To mitigate risks many drinking fountains and bottle fillers are now designed with push buttons that are away from the dispense point, which avoids the risk of cross-contamination. For example, the barrier-free line of products from Oasis utilise antimicrobial copper technology that fights off microorganisms on key touch point areas to help prevent the spread of disease. The risk of disease from drinking from a fountain is still extremely low, and a sensible approach to hand washing and touching surfaces is still as important as it ever was.
Danyka Dickens
2025-06-23 15:03:36
Count answers: 12
The technology used to help reduce the risk of infectious diseases has improved, including slanted jets of water, filters and better maintenance. The main source of contamination is on the knobs and buttons of fountains. The risk of getting herpes from the spout is almost negligible, but for those who feel queasy about any public amenities, it is best to drink from the flowing jet of water, rather than wrapping your lips round the spout. Disease outbreaks from municipal water fountains are extremely rare and tend to be isolated cases involving individuals with an impaired immune system. Modern designs of water fountains are likely to pose a negligible risk to your health.
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