Drinking fountains in Switzerland - how is their water quality?

Drinking fountain in Switzerland

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

Fact: Drinking fountains have been known and loved since the beginning of the 20th century. In 1905, the Swiss plumber Luther Hwas constructed the world's first public drinking fountain.

The need to quench your thirst can become urgent on the go. What is more suitable than an accessible drinking fountain for everyone to drink clean water.

Drinking fountains: Switzerland

In public areas of Switzerland today there are numerous drinking fountains in every city and every municipality. They offer locals and tourists the opportunity to quench their thirst with pure drinking water for free. The water flows from the well at a natural temperature. Some of the installations have an additional collecting or drainage basin. A good way to drink for the animal companion of humans.

Fact: within health resorts, the water from the healing spring gushes out of the public drinking fountain, which is also used for health treatments. The extraordinary composition of minerals and salts turns it into healing water.

In the winter months, the drinking fountain will stop operating. Icy temperatures can freeze the supply pipes and fittings and destroy them in the process. 

Is the water from a public drinking fountain safe?

The respective owners are usually the city or municipal administrations who 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 well has clean drinking water. The water taken from the public pipeline network has to run continuously. If this is not the case, a label with the note “no drinking water” must be visibly attached.

✪ Good to know: The Swiss food inspectors confirm that the water from the Swiss drinking fountains can be drunk without hesitation. A well analysis carried out regularly confirms this important result.

The water quality in Switzerland

The highest standards guarantee excellent water quality in Switzerland. The results of regular water tests refer to this. It is important to know that, according to the Swiss Food Book, the drinking water quality must be below the specified limit values. The national reference laboratories in Switzerland guarantee clean and healthy drinking water from the Swiss drinking fountains.

Factors Affecting the Water Quality of Drinking Fountains

Water pipes and fittings can affect the water quality. Substances are released from outdated or corroded pipe systems that are contaminated with bacteria and germs.

In the regions of Graubünden, Valais and Ticino, arsenic pollution is measured in the groundwater again and again. The trace element is released from the various layers of rock when the water flows through it.

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