Randerolf

I just came home from my job at a resturant. I did some shopping and saw water foutains (the kind the public drinks from). I had never questioned why we have them. We just always have. In the past, we've even had one for "colored" people and another for "white" people.

I'm sure that bussinesses have them due to code and regulations, but why have water foutains? (Yes, I know to get water, but the bigger reason).

iamnormal

To get clean fresh water.
People don't function well when dehydrated witch effects thier work or play.

rsl12

This ought to tell you what you're looking for.

Briefly, prior to the invention of the drinking fountain, there were wells of water with communal drinking cups, from which typhoid could spread. The advantage of a modern drinking fountain should be obvious.

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VF19

I think he's asking, why did the gov put them there.
Probably because it helps a great deal (to runners joggers sports people etc..) and it only costs water to run.

Xell101

Logical public service, and more free water supplies for the homeless.

Rodney

Water is a basic need. Imagine what a societal pain it would be if water _wasn't_ freely available everywhere. Everybody's have to carry their own. And like VF19 implied, a water fountain is cheap, once installed. That's why businesses won't always let the public use their restrooms (vandalism is expensive) but nobody cares if you drink from their water fountain.

lyxo

a better question,
why would someone poop in a water fountain?

rsl12

not too sure what info you're looking for then--if you're wondering why restrooms and drinking fountains are always together, it seems it's mostly for plumbing convenience. i looked into the california building code--it specifies that you need to provide a drinking fountain and restrooms in places of employment and public access spaces, but it doesn't specify that they should be next to each other. builders probably do it just because it's easier to build that way.

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irseg

Water fountains seem kind of odd in this day and age. They're nice to have and yes water is necessary, but what's the point? Food and shelter are basic needs too, but you don't have snack trays and tents in all public buildings.

By the way as rsl mentioned, if you're ever looking for a fountain in a building, just find the restrooms. 99% of the time they put them together since the plumbing is already there anyway.

dfence

we need more of those super cooled water fountains.

santafe5000

There are just there as a public convienence. Left over from the days before conveinence stores, who now sell 8 oz of water for the same price as a gallon of gas.

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Date the Banana

And I for one, am glad for them! The only ones that would be truly happy to see them go would be soda company executives. On a hot day in an unconditioned building (old hell job) The water fountain saved my life. Was much colder than regular tap water too. If I lived in an even hotter climate I can legitimately see it as being described as an absolute need.

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macmanmike6100

I think it's just because water is the most basic need of all. Thus, it is in the public interest for us to support a government that distributes this basic need freely.

Then, of course, why don't we give out free food? Or are shelters sponsored with government funding? It's just that I've never seen a shelter nor know much about them.

rsl12

remember the footage of bread lines in the soviet union? for some reason, people aren't as crazy about free water as they are about free bread. and it's not even garlic bread.

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Macheath

I dunno, for stupid assholes to put their used condoms and feces.

Damn, the whole idea doesn't work so well when so many people lack even the vestiges of civility.

Cynthetiq

there's one in our gym and i used it last night and thought to myself the last time i drank out of a water fountain was forever ago.

as far as irseg saying we don't have tents and snack trays, but we do.. they are also government services for food and housing and they are also regulated.

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runawayfetus

why would you not want water fountains... free water when ur thirsty.. what are u complaining about

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irateplatypus

i guess i don't know any specific reasons for them other than it just being a public service.

but goodness, am i ever glad they are there! on my trip backpacking europe, i dont' remember ever seeing a public water fountain. those little public niceties really make a difference when you're traveling solo... and poor. public bathrooms are hard to find also, plus they usually require a few coins to use.

the only redeeming quality is that the bottled water was much cheaper in the supermarkets than it is here. perhaps it is governmentally subsidized? or maybe we're just getting gang-raped on this side of the pond. both seem likely.

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amonkie

Well, when Az starts to hit the triple digits again in about two months, those water fountains can make or break your survival that day. There's even a law that if you go to a restaurant or fast food place and ask for a free cup of water, they have to give it to you.

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slimshaydee

Because food is alot more expensive than water, and you don't need it as often as you need water. And homeless shelters give free food to the needy.

Evil Milkman

Er, water foutains. Drink from them. Water good. Must need. Inexpensive. Public kill government if not have water fountain.

Yeah, I guess that's why.