Drinking Fountains in Switzerland

Switzerland is known as the Water Castle of Europe. And not without reason. Streams, rivers, glaciers, and more than 1500 lakes supply the entire population with precious water.

Did you know, drinking fountains have been known and popular since the early 20th century. In 1905, Swiss plumber Luther Haws constructed the world's first public drinking fountain.

The need to quench one's thirst can become urgent when on the go. What better way than a publicly accessible drinking fountain to drink clean water.

Drinking Fountains in Switzerland

In public spaces across Switzerland, you can find numerous drinking fountains in every city and town. They offer residents and tourists the opportunity to quench their thirst for free with pure drinking water. The water flows from the fountains at a natural temperature. Some installations have an additional catchment or drain basin, providing a good opportunity for animal companions to drink as well.

Did you know, in spa towns, the water from public drinking fountains comes from healing springs, which are also used for therapeutic treatments. Due to their extraordinary composition of minerals and salts, they become medicinal waters.

In the winter months, the operation of drinking fountains is suspended. Icy temperatures can freeze and damage the inflow pipes and fittings.

Is the Water from Public Drinking Fountains Safe?

The respective owners, usually the city or municipal administrations, install the drinking fountains in their region. They are responsible for the cleanliness and safety around the drinking fountain. They are obliged to ensure that the fountain provides clean drinking water. The water drawn from the public supply network must continuously flow. If not, a sign indicating "no drinking water" must be visibly placed.

✪ Good to know: Swiss food inspectors confirm: the water from Swiss drinking fountains can be consumed without hesitation. Regularly conducted fountain analyses support this important finding.

The Water Quality of Switzerland

Highest standards ensure excellent water quality in Switzerland. The results of regularly conducted water tests indicate this. It is important to know, that according to the Food Manual of Switzerland, drinking water quality must fall below the set limits. The national reference laboratories of Switzerland ensure clean and healthy drinking water from the country's drinking fountains.

Factors Affecting the Water Quality of Drinking Fountains

Water pipes and fittings can affect water quality. Substances dissolve from outdated or bacteria and germ-contaminated and corroded piping systems.

In the regions of Graubünden, Valais, and Ticino, arsenic contamination is repeatedly measured in groundwater. The trace element is dissolved as water percolates through various rock layers.

✪ Good to know: In Switzerland, the maximum limit for selenium is 50 milligrams per liter of water. The WHO recommends a significantly lower value, namely 10 milligrams per liter.