Water Fountains | Drinking Fountains
Water fountains, or drinking fountains, are fixtures designed to provide users with easy on-demand access to drinking water. Typically seen in public places like parks, schools, offices, and shopping centers, drinking fountains make potable water readily available whenever necessary. Water fountains are comprised of a a tap connected to a stream of water and a basin for collecting overflow.
Drinking fountains work through a simple system. First, the water comes from the main water system and is pressurized until it is released. Once the drinking fountain’s valve is pressed, the water is released to flow out. When the valve is let go, a water seal stops the water flow. A water filter can also be added if desired.
The modern water fountain that we know today was invented and manufactured in the early 1900s by Halsey Willard Taylor for the Halsey Taylor Company and Luther Haws for the Haws Sanitary Drinking Faucet Company. Both companies changed how water is served in public places, and are essential to ensure access to clean and safe drinking water.
A water fountain should be cleaned regularly as they are used by hundreds of people every day. Begin by cleaning the mouthpiece by using disinfectant and a brush and then rising the area with water. Clean the rest of the fountain with a damp cloth. A drinking fountain should be descaled once it has hard water build up.
