Planning drinking fountains in public spaces: The guide from concept to commissioning

Why drinking fountains are now part of municipal infrastructure

A public drinking fountain is far more than a nice addition to a marketplace, park, or sports facility. It is part of a modern, climate-adapted, and citizen-friendly infrastructure. Especially during hot summer months, at events, on school routes, along cycle paths, in city centers, and in heavily frequented public places, free access to drinking water is becoming increasingly important.

Many project stakeholders, however, are encountering this topic for the first time: project planners, architects, landscape gardeners, municipal building yards, mayors, climate protection managers, water utility managers, public utilities, or other municipal officials. Often, at the outset, it is unclear what a drinking fountain technically entails, what obligations the operator has, which authorities need to be involved, which model is suitable, and how the project should be properly planned from the initial idea to the official commissioning.

This guide leads you step-by-step through the entire project.

What is a drinking fountain?

A public drinking fountain is a freely accessible tap for drinking water in public spaces. Unlike historical fountains, it generally does not draw water from groundwater. Modern drinking water fountains are connected to the public water supply network or a suitable drinking water installation and dispense water of drinking quality.

Typical locations include:

• Market squares and pedestrian zones
• Parks, playgrounds, and green spaces
• Schools, universities, and sports facilities
• Train stations, bus terminals, and mobility hubs
• Cycle paths, hiking trails, and tourist attractions
• Public buildings, town halls, and administrative sites
• Outdoor pools, sports fields, and event areas

A drinking fountain can be designed as a pure drinking fountain, a bottle filling station, or a combination of both. It is crucial that the system is suitable for drinking water, hygienically operable, robust, easy to maintain, and appropriate for public spaces.

Purpose and objective: Why municipalities install drinking fountains

Public drinking water fountains serve several purposes simultaneously.

Firstly, they improve access to clean drinking water. Citizens, visitors, children, the elderly, athletes, commuters, and tourists can drink for free or refill their bottles. Especially during hot weather, this is an important contribution to preventative healthcare.

Secondly, drinking fountains are a component of climate adaptation. City centers and public squares heat up significantly in summer. Drinking water fountains help improve the quality of stay and supply security in public spaces.

Thirdly, they reduce single-use plastic. Those who can refill tap water for free on the go are less reliant on single-use bottles. This saves packaging waste, transport costs, and CO₂.

Fourthly, drinking water fountains send a visible signal: The municipality is investing in public services, sustainability, and quality of life.

The legal basis: EU Directive, WHG, and Drinking Water Ordinance

The topic of drinking fountains is not just voluntary urban beautification. It has a clear legal basis.

The EU Drinking Water Directive 2020/2184 aims to improve access to water for human consumption. This includes making tap water more readily available in public spaces. Member States are to ensure that indoor and outdoor facilities are installed in public places, provided this is technically feasible, needs-based, and proportionate.

In Germany, this objective was taken up, among other things, in the Water Resources Act. Since 2023, public water supply also includes the provision of drinking water from the mains network in public places, provided this is technically feasible and proportionate, taking into account demand, climate, geography, and local conditions.

Additionally, the Drinking Water Ordinance must be observed. Among other things, it regulates the quality of drinking water, the obligations of operators, and monitoring. For municipalities, this means: A drinking water fountain must not only be purchased and installed. It must also be hygienically planned, professionally installed, regularly cleaned, sampled, and documented.

Step 1: Define Needs and Objectives

The initial question is: Why should the drinking fountain be installed?

Possible objectives include:

• Heat protection in areas prone to overheating
• Provision in high-traffic areas
• Improving the quality of public spaces
• Implementation of a climate adaptation strategy
• Reduction of plastic waste
• Provision at sports facilities, schools, or recreational areas
• Meeting municipal public service obligations
• A visible sustainability project for citizens

This definition of objectives will later assist with site selection, financing, grant applications, political decision-making, and public relations.

Step 2: Select the Right Location

The best drinking water fountain is of little use if it's located where no one uses it. Therefore, the site should be as visible as possible, safely accessible, and highly frequented.

Good locations include, for example, central squares, pedestrian zones, park entrances, schoolyards, sports facilities, tourist hotspots, playgrounds, or bike paths. It is also important that the fountain integrates well into existing pedestrian routes. People are more likely to use it if they see it.

During the site assessment, the following questions should be answered:

• Is there a suitable drinking water pipe nearby?
• Is a wastewater connection or appropriate drainage possible?
• Is electricity available, or is a self-sufficient energy solution required?
• Is the location barrier-free accessible?
• Is the fountain clearly visible but not in the way?
• Are there risks from vandalism, leaves, bird droppings, or contamination?
• Can the municipal works department easily access the location?
• Is the location accessible for maintenance, cleaning, and water sampling?
• Is the location logical and appealing to the public?

A drinking fountain should be placed where people truly need it: not hidden, not in a seldom-used side area, but in places with high foot traffic or where people spend a lot of time.

Step 3: Clarify responsibilities

A drinking water fountain involves several parties. Therefore, it should be clarified early on who is responsible for which task.

Typical stakeholders include:

• Municipality or operator as the client
• Municipal works department or technical services
• Water supplier or municipal utility
• Health authority
• Civil Engineering Contractor or Plumber
• Landscaping
• Planner or Architect
• Climate Protection Management
• Municipal Treasury or Funding Agency
• Press and Public Relations

Early coordination with the health department and the water utility provider is particularly important. Both authorities can impose requirements for connection, operation, sampling, documentation, and commissioning.

Step 4: Assess Feasibility

The feasibility study determines whether the desired location is truly suitable. It primarily involves the water connection, pipe length, drainage, frost protection, foundation, power supply, accessibility, and future maintainability.

A typical assessment process:

1. Define site plan and desired location
2. Check existing lines
3. Evaluate water connection and pressure conditions
4. Clarify drainage
5. Check power connection or self-sufficient supply
6. Obtain requirements from the health department
7. Estimate civil engineering and installation effort
8. Select model and operating method
9. Create a budget
10. Prepare for decision, funding, or procurement

The clearer these points are at the outset, the fewer delays will occur later.

Step 5: Choosing the right model

Not every drinking fountain is suitable for public spaces. Municipal operators should not only consider the purchase price, but also operational safety, hygiene, maintainability, and future viability.

Key selection criteria include:

• materials suitable for drinking water
• robust stainless steel construction
• vandalism-resistant design
• contactless or low-contact operation
• automatic hygienic flushing
• frost-proof for year-round operation
• good accessibility for maintenance
• bottle filling capability
• accessible use
• easy cleaning
• documentable operational data
• optional hygiene monitoring
• customizable design with color, lettering, or engraving

This is where Aquadona comes in.

Why Aquadona recommends the Bach model

For operators planning long-term, a classic drinking fountain without digital operational data is often only half a solution. Requirements for hygiene, documentation, sustainability, and operator control will increase in the coming years. Municipalities want to know if their infrastructure is working, how heavily it is used, and if hygienically relevant operational data is within safe limits.

The myBach Bach drinking fountain was developed precisely for this requirement. It is designed for public spaces, robust, vandal-resistant, suitable for drinking water, and available as a seasonal or year-round option. Upon request, it can be individually customized, for example, with RAL colors, lettering, or your city's laser-engraved coat of arms.

Particularly crucial is the combination of hygiene, smart city capability, and optional self-sufficient energy supply.

Smart City: Why Operational Data is Becoming So Important for Operators

A modern drinking fountain should not just dispense water. It should also show the operator what is happening on site.

With optional hygiene monitoring, operators can track in real-time or digitally:

• whether the fountain is operational
• how much water has flowed through
• how heavily the location is used
• whether the water temperature needs to be monitored
• whether flushing is occurring correctly
• how many bottles have been theoretically replaced
• what CO₂ and plastic waste savings can be derived from this
• what data can be used for documentation and sustainability reports

This creates transparency. For municipal depots, public utilities, health authorities, and administration, this means: less guesswork, better control, and greater operational safety.

Hygiene: The Central Point for Every Drinking Fountain

A drinking fountain isn't just about design, location, and price. Hygiene is crucial.

Drinking water is a foodstuff. As soon as water is publicly dispensed, the operator must ensure that the fountain is hygienically operated, cleaned, maintained, and sampled. Stagnant water in pipes is particularly critical. The longer water stagnates and the more it heats up, the higher the potential hygienic risks.

That's why automatic hygiene flushing is so important. With the Bach system, the unit can be operated in such a way that water is regularly moved through the pipe. For example, if the pipe from the house connection to the drinking water fountain is flushed hourly with about 10 to 15 liters, the water remains in motion. While this incurs additional water costs, typically in the range of a few hundred euros per year, it significantly improves the hygienic operating situation.

At first glance, this higher water consumption seems like a disadvantage. In the long term, however, it can be an advantage: fresh water in the connection pipe reduces stagnation risks and can facilitate discussions with the health authorities. The health authorities decide on a case-by-case basis which testing intervals are required. If operation, flushing, documentation, and sampling function reliably, a longer sampling interval may be possible in individual cases.

Important: Digital hygiene monitoring does not replace laboratory testing. It complements it. Water sampling must still be carried out by a suitable and approved testing facility.

Seasonal operation or year-round operation?

Many outdoor fountains are only operated from spring to autumn. This can work, but it has disadvantages: decommissioning, recommissioning, flushing, inspection, and additional sampling incur effort. Furthermore, the fountain is not available in winter.

A year-round model is more attractive for many municipalities in the long term. It remains usable even in cold weather, reduces seasonal downtimes, and can save organizational effort. Especially in central locations, train stations, school routes, or tourist areas, year-round operation is a strong signal of supply security.

The decision depends on the location, climate, budget, water connection, and operator concept. Those planning long-term should seriously consider the year-round option.

Step 6: Plan costs realistically

The acquisition is only one part of the total costs. For the operator, the costs over several years are particularly important.

To be considered:

• Acquisition of the drinking fountain
• Civil engineering and foundation
• Connection to the drinking water pipe
• Drainage
• Power connection, if applicable
• Commissioning
• Cleaning
• Maintenance and minor repairs
• Spare parts
• Water consumption
• Lab testing
• Documentation
• Winter operation or seasonal operation
• Insurance and vandalism damage
• Public relations

For maintenance and upkeep, an operator should realistically expect to budget approximately 2,500 to 3,500 Euros per year. This typically includes cleaning, maintenance, water consumption, water sampling, and ongoing support. This amount may vary depending on the location, usage, vandalism risk, and operator organization.

The biggest mistake is to only consider the purchase price. A better approach is a life cycle assessment: Which fountain incurs the lowest risks, the least coordination effort, and the best operational reliability over ten years?

Step 7: Explore funding options

Drinking fountains are often classified as climate adaptation, health, sustainability, or public service projects. Depending on the federal state, municipality, and funding period, various programs may be eligible. Funding programs change regularly. Therefore, before applying, it should always be checked whether the program is currently open and whether drinking fountains are explicitly eligible for funding or as part of a larger package of measures.

Brief overview of potential resources:

Baden-Württemberg: KLIMOPASS

‍Bavaria: Special Program "Municipal Drinking Fountains"

‍Berlin: BENE 2 – Berlin Program for Sustainable Development

‍Brandenburg: ILB Climate Adaptation 2023

‍Bremen: Central Climate Adaptation Implementation Program

‍Hamburg: #moinzukunft Hamburg Climate Fund

‍Hesse: Municipal Climate Guideline / Drinking Water Fountains for Hessian Municipalities

‍Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: Municipal Investment Funding / Special Needs Allocations

‍Lower Saxony: NBank Water Quantity Management

‍North Rhine-Westphalia: Klimaanpassung.Kommunen.NRW

‍Rhineland-Palatinate: Funding for Public Drinking Water Fountains

‍Saarland: Sustainable Water Management in Saarland

‍Saxony: Funding Opportunities for Climate Protection and Climate Adaptation

‍Saxony-Anhalt: Saxony-Anhalt KLIMA III

‍Schleswig-Holstein: Schleswig-Holstein Energy and Climate Protection Initiative

‍Thuringia: Klima Invest

Tip: Funding applications should not be submitted only after ordering. Many programs require that the project only begins after approval.

Step 8: Prepare Procurement and Tendering

Depending on the municipality and contract value, a direct award, a restricted tender, or another tendering procedure may be required. A clear tender document is important.

The specification should not only include dimensions and design, but above all functional requirements:

• public outdoor area
• potable water components
• robust stainless steel construction
• vandalism protection
• automatic hygiene flushing
• contactless or low-contact operation
• frost protection or seasonal operation
• bottle filling function
• maintenance access
• optional Smart City interface
• optional hygiene monitoring
• optional autonomous power supply
• custom color scheme or engraving
• documentation options

This prevents ending up with just the cheapest fountain, which fails to meet long-term operator requirements.

Step 9: Organize installation by the operator

In most cases, installation should be organized by the operator themselves, such as the municipal works department, a local plumber, a local civil engineering company, or the responsible public utilities.

This has several advantages:

• maximum flexibility in scheduling and execution
• better knowledge of local piping
• streamlined coordination
• lower travel and installation costs
• direct control by the municipality
• easier future maintenance
• faster response to malfunctions

If manufacturers or sellers are to handle the complete installation, additional coordination efforts often arise: site inspection, pipe testing, civil engineering coordination, scheduling, travel, external trades, addenda, and additional costs. A local installer or the municipal building yard can implement many of these steps faster and more cost-effectively.

Aquadona supplies the appropriate drinking water fountain and provides technical information. Ideally, the local installation remains in the hands of the operator and their specialist partners.

Step 10: Commissioning, Cleaning, and Sampling

Before being released to the public, the drinking fountain must be professionally commissioned. This includes:

• Flushing the pipes
• Visual inspection of the installation
• Functionality test
• Drainage check
• Operation check
• Cleaning the unit
• Water sampling by a suitable testing facility
• Documentation
• Coordination with the health department

For seasonally operated systems, it is also important to note that recommissioning is required after a winter break. Flushing, cleaning, and sampling may also be necessary here.

Step 11: Ensure Long-Term Operation and Maintenance

After the inauguration, regular operation begins. A public drinking water fountain must be regularly inspected.

An operating plan should at least define:

• who cleans the fountain
• how often it is cleaned
• who performs visual inspections
• who reports malfunctions
• who arranges for repairs
• who organizes water sampling
• where the results are documented
• who is the contact person for the health department and citizens
• how vandalism is handled
• when the fountain must be taken out of service

An operations logbook is recommended. For smart fountains like the Bach, digital data can further facilitate documentation. This is particularly valuable when operating multiple locations.

Step 12: Public Relations and Inauguration

A drinking fountain should not be installed without fanfare. The public must know that it exists.

Useful measures include:

• City press release
• Post on the municipal website
• Social media post
• Register location in maps and apps
• Information for schools, clubs, and tourist offices
• Sign at the location
• QR code with information on water quality or sustainability
• Small opening ceremony with mayor, municipal works, public utility, and press

A public opening ceremony makes the project visible. It demonstrates the municipality's investment in health, climate adaptation, and sustainability. At the same time, it fosters acceptance: citizens are more likely to use and protect what has been explained to them.

How long does a drinking water fountain project take?

Realistically, projects often take six to twelve months. In simple cases, it can be quicker. It takes longer with funding applications, civil engineering, multiple stakeholders, or political decision-making.

A typical timeline:

1. Idea and goal definition: 2 to 4 weeks
2. Location and feasibility study: 4 to 8 weeks
3. Coordination with water supplier and health department: 4 to 8 weeks
4. Funding review and application: 1 to 4 months
5. Procurement and awarding of contracts: 1 to 3 months
6. Delivery and construction preparation: 4 to 10 weeks
7. Installation: a few days to several weeks
8. Commissioning, sampling, and approval: 1 to 4 weeks
9. Public relations and opening ceremony: 1 to 3 weeks

The sooner the location, responsibilities, and operating concept are clarified, the smoother the project will run.

The most common mistakes in drinking fountain projects

Many delays are caused by typical planning errors:

• Site is chosen before water connection and drainage have been checked
• Health department is involved too late
• Operating costs are underestimated
• Maintenance and cleaning are not properly managed
• Water sampling is overlooked
• Decisions are based solely on purchase price
• The fountain is located in a rarely used area
• No budget allocated for civil engineering
• No public outreach is planned
• No digital monitoring of operating data is possible
• Seasonal operation is chosen, even though year-round operation would be more beneficial in the long run

Addressing these points early saves time, costs, and discussions later.

In short: The best drinking water fountain is one that can be reliably operated long-term.

A public drinking fountain is a visible and meaningful project. It improves access to drinking water, supports climate adaptation, reduces single-use plastics, and enhances the quality of public spaces in cities and communities.

For the project to succeed, however, it requires more than just a device. Key factors include site selection, feasibility, hygiene, operator concept, financing, installation, maintenance, and communication.

For operators planning long-term, a smart drinking water fountain like the Bach from myBach is the future-proof solution. It combines robust construction, automatic hygiene flushing, optional self-sufficient energy supply, individual design, and digital hygiene monitoring. This allows municipalities to maintain control over operation, usage, and hygiene – creating an infrastructure that not only works today but will also meet the demands of modern cities in ten years.

Aquadona supports municipalities, planners, and operators in selecting the appropriate drinking fountain, providing technical information, tender specifications, and advice on suitable solutions for public spaces.