Public fountains often have non-potable water because they are not always connected to a drinking water network or equipped with treatment systems to prevent contamination by pathogens or pollutants. In addition, their exposure to the environment and animals can easily introduce contaminants.
Drinking water is water that can be consumed safely without health risks. To achieve this, it undergoes a precise treatment to remove microbes, viruses, chemicals, or dangerous impurities.
In contrast, non-drinking water is water that has not been sufficiently disinfected or filtered. It may contain tiny invisible organisms like bacteria or pollutants that can cause illnesses if consumed. Typically, this is the type of water used for watering public parks, gardens, or cleaning streets. Therefore, it's best to avoid putting your lips in it!
Public drinking fountains often pump their water from natural sources or shallow aquifers. This water does not always benefit from complete disinfectant treatment, particularly against bacteria and other microorganisms. Another common concern is old piping: rust, mineral deposits, and even chemical contaminants can end up in the distributed water. Fountains are sometimes poorly maintained or subject to irregular maintenance, which encourages contamination and makes the water unsuitable for direct consumption. It only takes slow water circulation or stagnation for too long, and bacteria and algae can proliferate quickly. Finally, sometimes it’s just a regulatory precaution: due to the inability to control water quality frequently enough, the local authority prefers to label it "not potable" as a simple safety measure.
Drinking non-potable water is clearly not a good idea. Why? Because it can contain really problematic microbes like bacteria, viruses, or parasites. As a result, you can catch very unpleasant illnesses such as gastroenteritis with nausea, vomiting, and serious diarrhea. In some cases, you risk even more serious issues, like hepatitis A, cholera, or dysentery. And let's be honest, no one wants to end up in the hospital because of a simple sip from a fountain on the street.
The water from public fountains primarily depends on the Public Health Code. In practical terms, this means that there are specific thresholds that must not be exceeded for certain pollutants, bacteria, and chemical substances. These standards regularly monitor parameters such as nitrates, microbes, lead, and chlorine. However, be aware that these requirements vary depending on the intended use of the fountain: in simple terms, a fountain that provides officially drinkable water must meet far more sanitary constraints than a decorative or irrigation fountain. Municipalities are required to clearly display whether the water is potable or not, to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
To have drinking water at public fountains, an effective filtration system can be installed to eliminate bacteria and chemical pollutants. Another practical method is disinfection by chlorination or ultraviolet: inexpensive and very effective against microbes. For those who want to go further, it is also possible to use closed-system fountains that better protect against the risks of external contamination. Another good idea is to regularly check the condition of the pipes and clean or replace them as needed to prevent stagnation and corrosion. Lastly, clearly displaying the date of the last maintenance on each fountain allows everyone to drink with peace of mind.
France has over 1,200 public drinking water fountains listed as potable in the city of Paris, usually recognizable by their famous 'Wallace Fountains' design.
The so-called 'non-potable' water can often remain safe for uses such as watering plants, cleaning, or even cooling the surrounding air during hot weather.
Some municipalities voluntarily choose to make the water from their fountains non-potable in order to reduce costs associated with water treatment and regular disinfection.
It is common for public fountains to be supplied with water from untreated wells or underground springs, which is why they are often labeled as non-potable.
In France, drinking water must comply with a very specific set of standards established by the Public Health Code and regulated by the decree of January 11, 2007. These regulations mainly focus on the maximum allowable levels of bacteria, nitrates, pesticides, and other contaminants.
Yes, portable solutions such as filtering bottles, purification tablets, or techniques like boiling significantly improve water safety before consumption.
Sometimes, authorities decide not to treat the water from fountains in order to reduce the costs associated with the necessary infrastructure and treatments. Additionally, the quality of the local water source can also make it technically difficult or very expensive to meet the strict health standards required for drinking water.
Yes, drinking non-potable water from a fountain can lead to minor digestive issues, as well as more serious illnesses caused by bacteria or other microorganisms that may be present in that water. It is advised to avoid any consumption, even on a sporadic basis.
In general, the presence of a sign or inscription will clearly indicate whether the water is safe to drink or not. In the absence of explicit indication, it is best not to consume it and to look for a reliable source of drinking water.
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