Piped Drinking Fountains
Drinking fountains are plumbing fixtures that directly connect to the water system to dispense fresh, cold drinking water through a spout. Excess water lands in a basin beneath the spout and is then drained away.
A robust filtration system prevents sediments from clogging the fountain, which can reduce performance and lead to unsanitary conditions. Filtration systems also eliminate microorganisms to provide safe and clean drinking water.
Aesthetics
In an era of designer bottled water and soda machines, drinking fountains are humble contraptions that provide filtered, free-of-charge access to simple, plain tap water. Some are designed to be decorative, while others serve more utilitarian purposes. For example, fountains often include nozzles or spigots to accommodate bottles and other containers. Many also feature filters that remove taste and odor chemicals and prevent biofilms from developing in the plumbing lines.
Another practical application of fountains Stainless steel water filter is noise mitigation. The splashing or dripping sounds of water often mask bothersome city noises, giving people a peaceful oasis where they can sit and relax.
Regardless of their aesthetics, most piped drinking fountains are designed to serve as a reminder that water is a valuable natural resource. They prompt us to consider if we are treating water as an economic commodity or as a shared public resource to which all creatures have a right.
In the case of urban fountains, the answer seems to be that water is a public resource and deserves to be treated as such. Fountains are a great way to promote that fact, and their use should be encouraged. With multi-station fountains available that offer up to three bowls, spouts or bubblers in a trough-style design, it is easy for everyone to quench their thirst without wasting any plastic water bottles or money.
Durability
In this age of designer bottled water, enhanced drinks and ubiquitous soda machines, it’s easy to forget that fountains were once the main way Americans got their daily hydration. Today, however, these humble contraptions continue to play a role in public health: promoting moderation and reminding us that water is not an economic commodity, but rather a shared resource to which all have a right.
Whether mounted on walls or standing on pedestals, these units are often crafted from stainless steel to provide long-term durability and resistance to corrosion. They are also pre-built and fully water and pressure tested for reduced installation time and peace of mind.
With a variety of available options, including vandal resistance, freeze resistance and bottle filling capability, these units can be customized to suit the needs of each community or site. They can also be fitted with a wide range of bubbler and spout styles, from the more traditional to the arc, and even with mouth guards for children.
Germs aren’t the only concern when it comes to drinking from public fountains – handles on bubblers have been shown to be common carriers of rotavirus, which causes diarrhea, and influenza A, which can lead to high fever, chills and vomiting. Moreover, many public fountains aren’t cleaned regularly, and aging pipes can leak contaminants into the water supply. Many modern piped drinking fountains include a point of use filter that helps eliminate these unwanted hitchhikers.
Flow Rate
The pipe drinking fountain market caters to a range of needs. It promotes hydration and reduces plastic waste by providing an alternative to single-use bottles. It also helps individuals maintain healthy hydration habits and reduce the amount of sugary drinks consumed. It can be installed in a variety of settings, including schools, parks, and businesses.
It is important to select a fountain that can handle the expected volume of usage. Look for one with a robust filtration system that removes contaminants and maintains crystal-clear water. Some models even offer features such as usage tracking and analytics, which can help you assess your fountain’s performance and improve its sustainability.
Lastly, make sure to choose a model that can run on your preferred power supply. Generally, 120/240 volt single phase power is enough to operate most small pumps. However, larger installations may require 480 volts 3 phase power.
Drinking fountains are unsung public amenities that provide free access to a vital resource. They prompt us to ask whether we treat water as an economic commodity or a collective resource that all creatures — human and non-human — have a right to. As such, they have long been subjects of public debate and controversy.
Safety
When you use a fountain that isn’t connected to your home or office water supply, you’re exposed to a variety of bacteria and chemicals. These can be from the fountain itself, the pipes that supply it or even just the water itself. Most fountains are in areas that may not be refurbished or cleaned as often as they should be, especially schools and Pipeline water purifier other public areas. This can cause the pipes to be rusty or have other contaminants in them that could then slough off and get into the drinking fountain. Children also tend to be more susceptible to these kinds of chemicals since their immune systems are not as well adapted as adults’.
It’s also not uncommon for fountains to be a breeding ground for germs, especially with so many people touching the fountain and then putting their hands in their mouth. This can lead to the spread of disease, such as giardia, shigella and Legionella which causes Legionnaire’s disease, a very serious type of pneumonia.
It is recommended that fountains be installed as close to the main water source as possible so the contaminated water doesn’t sit in the fountain for too long and contaminate it. It’s also a good idea to encourage your employees, students or guests to bring their own bottle of water instead of using the fountain.