Drinking fountains play a crucial role in providing accessible, clean water in public spaces. From schools and parks to workplaces and recreational areas, the presence of drinking fountains ensures that people can stay hydrated and maintain their health. In this blog, we will explore the legal and regulatory requirements for drinking fountains, the factors that determine their necessity, how many are required, and special considerations for their installation and maintenance.

Legal and Regulatory Requirements

Various regulations mandate the installation of drinking fountains to ensure public health and accessibility. Key among these are the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, and local building codes. These regulations are designed to ensure that drinking fountains are available and accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities.

Compliance with these regulations is not just a legal obligation but a commitment to public health and inclusivity. Facilities that fail to meet these standards may face legal consequences and, more importantly, risk the well-being of their users.

Factors Determining the Requirement for Drinking Fountains

The need for drinking fountains is determined by several factors. Primarily, the type of facility plays a significant role. Schools, parks, workplaces, and recreational areas are among the most common places where drinking fountains are required. The population size and traffic volume of these areas also influence the necessity. For instance, a busy public park will require more drinking fountains compared to a small office building.

Indoor and outdoor settings have different requirements. Indoor facilities, like schools and offices, must ensure drinking fountains are easily accessible within the building. Outdoor facilities, such as parks and sports complexes, need to place fountains strategically to serve large, dispersed crowds.

How Many Drinking Fountains are Required?

The number of drinking fountains required varies based on specific guidelines and standards. For example, the International Plumbing Code (IPC) often recommends at least one drinking fountain per 100 occupants for schools and workplaces. However, these numbers can vary. For instance, public parks might require one drinking fountain per acre or per specific number of visitors. Local regulations vary, so you will need to look up your state’s building code.

Many local regulations follow the International Building Code (IBC), which requires a minimum of two drinking fountains per facility, or one bi-level drinking fountain. One level is for standing persons and one is for persons sitting in a wheelchair. These regulations generally apply to all new construction or major renovation for commercial facilities such as schools, offices, factories, warehouses, etc. They generally do not apply to restaurants, hotels or residences / apartments.  They also may not be required for small occupancy buildings, but the definition of small may be different for different locations.  

Educational institutions typically follow stringent guidelines due to the high population density and the necessity to provide ample hydration opportunities for students. Recreational areas, on the other hand, may adjust the number of fountains based on seasonal usage and event sizes.

Can bottle fillers be substituted for drinking fountains?

Whether bottle fillers can be substituted for drinking fountains in terms of laws and building codes depends on specific local regulations and the intended use of the facility. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires accessible drinking options, so if there are bottle fillers on site, each area must have at least one that is installed at the appropriate height and have clear floor space for wheelchair access. However, the ADA says that installing bottle filling stations does not eliminate the need for drinking fountains. Therefore, when installing a bottle filler it is best to install it as part of a high-low bottle-filler drinking fountain combination, to cover all requirements. See our blog on ADA drinking fountain requirements.

Local building codes and standards, such as the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), often mandate a certain number of traditional drinking fountains based on building occupancy and use, which may not always be fully replaced by bottle fillers. Some local regulations require just drinking fountains, some, like New York City, require drinking fountains and bottle fillers, some allow bottle fillers to replace drinking fountains, and some do not.Many facilities address this by installing combination units that include both a drinking fountain and a bottle filler, ensuring they meet regulatory requirements while providing additional benefits. It is essential to consult with local building authorities to ensure compliance and consider the needs of all users when making such substitutions.

Special Considerations

Accessibility is a critical consideration when installing drinking fountains. ADA compliance ensures that drinking fountains are accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes proper height, clear floor space for wheelchair access, and easy-to-use spouts.

High-traffic areas and large events require additional planning. During peak times, temporary installations might be necessary to accommodate increased demand. Seasonal variations also play a role; outdoor venues may need to consider weather-resistant fountains or additional units during summer months.

The International Plumbing Code states that drinking fountains, water coolers and water dispensers may not be located in restrooms.

By definition, a “drinking fountain” is not chilled whereas a “water cooler” is chilled. It comes with a compressor and a chiller. Therefore, your drinking fountain does not need to be cooled to satisfy most regulations, (again, check your local regulations) but almost all indoor drinking fountains are chilled because that's what the people want!  

Implementation and Maintenance

Proper installation and maintenance of drinking fountains are essential to ensure their functionality and safety. Steps for proper installation include selecting suitable locations, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements, and using high-quality materials.

Routine maintenance is vital to prevent issues such as blockages, leaks, and contamination. Regular cleaning, checking water quality, and timely repairs are crucial to keep the fountains in good working order and safe for public use.

Conclusion

Ensuring the availability of drinking fountains in public spaces is vital for public health and accessibility. Understanding when and how many drinking fountains are required helps facilities comply with regulations and meet the needs of their users. Proper installation and maintenance are essential to keep these amenities safe and functional.