Drinking fountains provide accessible water in public spaces, communal areas of private buildings and workplaces. They need to be hygienic, durable and straightforward to install, with options suited to urban spaces and other settings.

A drinking fountain is an eco-friendly way to keep the population hydrated. It gives people access to drinking water on hot summer days, whether they’re taking a quick sip or filling a bottle of their own. ArchiPro features a great range of high-quality drinking fountains from trusted suppliers in Australia.

Types of drinking fountains

There are several types of drinking fountains that you can consider in Australia, the most common of which include:

Outdoor fountains

Playgrounds, sports clubs, beaches and parks are popular locations for an outdoor drinking fountain. They withstand the elements while keeping active people hydrated and reducing litter.

Public drinking fountains

A public drinking fountain in Australia is made to be accessible to everyone. It might be indoors in a train station, hospital, library or school.

Pedestal mounts

Pedestal-mounted fountains are a particular type that has the water spigot and drain sitting directly on the pedestal, which houses the plumbing.

Wall mounts

Instead of having the water come up through a pedestal, some fountains can attach to plumbing systems inside the wall.

Bottle filling stations

A possible feature on all types of drinking fountains is an additional spigot for filling a bottle. It has a tap further away from the basin, providing more room for the bottle.

The advantages of high-quality drinking fountains

One of the most important features of a high-quality drinking fountain in Australia is that it’s hygienic. The best products use high-grade materials, such as stainless steel, which stay clean, don’t rust and are easy to maintain. Top products also take the user into account, making it easy and not messy. They should be easy to operate and accessible, meaning they’re the right height for people to use safely. High-quality options also feature more sophisticated and streamlined designs, seamlessly blending into an environment without becoming a visual eyesore. For pet-use models, a ceramic cat drinking fountain may also require cat drinking fountain filters as part of routine maintenance.

How to choose a drinking fountain that’s right for you

To narrow your selection, you need to decide whether you need to buy a drinking fountain for indoor or outdoor use. Outdoor options come with different fixings and protection from the elements and might include an anti-graffiti coating. When considering products for indoor spaces, you’ll want to think about where they will be located. You’ll choose between pedestal-mounted or wall-mounted options. A public drinking fountain should be easy to use and welcoming. Ideally, the flow should be strong enough for people to drink without touching the spigot and spraying everywhere. For these models, aesthetics should also be considered, with some urban designers choosing to coordinate their choices with other features in the space like street furniture.

Do drinking fountains recycle water?

No, most drinking fountains have separate lines, one for the tap and one for the drain. Water from the tap comes from the drinking water supply. Water that isn’t drunk goes down the drain and back into the system. The fountain doesn’t recycle the water, but it does go back into the water treatment system.

Do drinking fountains filter water?

In Australia, fountains are connected to the drinking water supply, meaning what comes out is ready to drink. The water is already treated for drinking before it arrives. However, some fountains have extra features, such as cooling systems and filters to improve the quality of the water even further.

How long do drinking fountains last?

Drinking fountains last for many years. They require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep the min in good condition. If they have filters, they need to be changed regularly, and the system should be cleaned after dormant periods. You might need to replace some parts due to wear and tear after three years.

Drinking Fountains