Drinking Water Fountains Research Articles

PYAAVS AND PAANPOIS - A STUDY OF THE CHANGING FACE OF PUBLIC WATER DISPENSING UNITS OF PUNE

Water has always been an essential part of human civilization, shaping urban landscapes and influencing social life. The drinking water fountains built during colonial period are locally called as pyaavs while water dispensing units are generally called as paanpois. Two old drinking water fountains and some new water dispensing units are located within the Pune Cantonment region. Whereas the ancient Paanpois were located on the outskirts of Pune. The aim of this paper is to study the evolution of the historic pyaavs and the paanpois which are regional expressions of water dispensing units from Pune. This study explores the tangible and intangible legacy through a variety of photographic documentation and a review of existing research in the topic, showcasing the individuality of each water dispensing unit.

Relationship of Physico-chemical Properties of Water with Phytoplankton Abundance in Peraru Village Tank in Vavuniya District

The village tank cascade system, predominantly found in the Vavuniya district, satisfies the water demand for agriculture and domestic needs considerably. Among them, the Peraru village tank lies in a cascade line in the Vavuniya district. The water resource of Peraru village reservoir is treated by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, Vavuniya, and distributed to the local public. As Peraru a drinking water fountain, the study of phytoplankton and water quality is important. The study's objective was to identify the phytoplankton and estimate the abundance of phytoplankton in the Peraru village tank along with the Physico-chemical characteristics of water. A phytoplankton sampling was done by using plankton net at the selected three locations of Peraru village reservoir weekly from March to April 2021. Totally, 24 samples were analyzed during the study period. Simultaneously, water samples were also collected at each site to determine dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, pH, turbidity, temperature, nitrate, and phosphate concentrations. Identification of phytoplankton was made based on standard guides, and the abundances of phytoplankton were estimated using Sedgewick- rafter counting cells. The results of Physico- chemical parameters were statistically tested using ANOVA and found correlations between the abundance of phytoplankton and Physico-chemical parameters. Phylum Bacillariophyta and genus Aulacoseira were the dominant phylum and genus in the Peraru village tank. Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Electrical Conductivity (EC), nitrate, and phosphate positively influenced the abundance of phytoplankton in the Peraru village tank, while turbidity negatively affected the same. 
 Keywords: Phytoplankton abundance, Correlation, Physico-chemical parameters

Safety and maintenance plan for drinking water fountains in public institutions

Safety and maintenance plan for drinking water fountains in public institutions

Investigating water safety in multi-purpose buildings used as an elementary school and plumbing remediation effectiveness

Three buildings that were repurposed for use as an elementary school were shutdown for three months in response to the pandemic. Building cold and hot water quality was monitored before reopening to detect and resolve chemical and microbiological problems. The authors collected first draw pre-flush and post-flush water samples. First draw water samples did not contain detectable disinfectant residual, but nickel and lead sometimes exceeded the health-based action limits for cold water (max. 144 μg Ni/L, 3.4 μg Pb/L). Stagnant cold water at a bathroom sink (188 MPN/100 mL) and drinking water fountain (141.6 MPN/100 mL), in the same building, exceeded theL.pneumophilathresholds advised by the World Health Organization (WHO) (10 CFU/mL) and American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) (100 CFU/mL). Fixture flushing was conducted to remove cold and hot stagnant water and noL.pneumophilawas detected immediately after flushing. Two weeks after no subsequent building water use, chemical and microbiological contaminant levels were found to be similar to levels prior to flushing with one exception. The maximumL.pneumophilalevel (kitchen sink, hot water: 61.1 MPN/100 mL) was found in a different building than the prior maximum detections. No repeat positive locations forL.pneumophilawere found during the second visit, but new fixtures were positive the organism. When this study was conducted no evidence-based guidelines for plumbing recommissioning were available. A single plumbing flush reduced heavy metal andL.pneumophilalevels below WHO and AIHA thresholds in all three buildings. Additional work is needed to examine the role of building size, type and plumbing design on fixture water quality in shutdown buildings.

Microbiological monitoring of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus in public drinking water fountains: Pathogenicity factors, antimicrobial resistance and potential health risks.

The presence of opportunistic bacteria such as coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) in drinking water poses public health concerns because of its potential to cause human infection and due to its antimicrobial resistance (AMR) diversity. This study evaluated the occurrence, virulence markers and AMR of CoNS in 468 drinking water samples from 15 public fountains located in four urban parks of São Paulo city (Brazil). Out of 104 samples positive for the presence of Staphylococcus genus, we detected CoNS in 75 of them (16%), which did not meet the Brazilian sanitary standards for residual chlorine. All isolates were of concern to public health for being responsible for infection in humans from low to high severity, nine of them are considered the most of concern due to 63.6% being multiresistant to antimicrobials. The results demonstrated that CoNS in drinking water must not be neglected. It is concluded that the presence of resistant staphylococci in drinking water is a potential health risk, which urges feasible and quick control measures to protect human health, especially in crowded public places.

Variation in the Structure and Composition of Bacterial Communities within Drinking Water Fountains in Melbourne, Australia

Modern drinking water distributions systems (DWDSs) have been designed to transport treated or untreated water safely to the consumer. DWDSs are complex environments where microorganisms are able to create their own niches within water, biofilm or sediment. This study was conducted on twelve drinking fountains (of three different types, namely types A, B and C) within the Melbourne (Australia) city area with the aim to (i) characterize the water quality and viable and total counts at each fountain, (ii) compare the differences in the structure and diversity of the bacterial community between bulk water and biofilm and (iii) determine differences between the bacterial communities based on fountain type. Samples of water and biofilm were assessed using both culture-dependent and culture-independent techniques. Heterotrophic plate counts of water samples ranged from 0.5 to 107.5 CFU mL−1, and as expected, total cell counts (cells mL−1) were, on average, 2.9 orders of magnitude higher. Based on the mean relative abundance of operational taxonomic units (OTUs), ANOSIM showed that the structure of the bacterial communities in drinking water and biofilm varied significantly (R = 0.58, p = 0.001). Additionally, ANOSIM showed that across fountain types (in water), the bacterial community was more diverse in fountain type C compared to type A (p < 0.001) and type B (p < 0.001). 16S rRNA next-generation sequencing revealed that the bacterial communities in both water and biofilm were dominated by only seven phyla, with Proteobacteria accounting for 71.3% of reads in water and 68.9% in biofilm. The next most abundant phylum was Actinobacteria (10.4% water; 11.7% biofilm). In water, the genus with the highest overall mean relative abundance was Sphingomonas (24.2%), while Methylobacterium had the highest mean relative abundance in biofilm samples (54.7%). At the level of genus and higher, significant differences in dominance were found across fountain types. In water, Solirubrobacterales (order) were present in type C fountains at a relative abundance of 17%, while the mean relative abundance of Sphingomonas sp. in type C fountains was less than half that in types A (25%) and B (43%). In biofilm, the relative abundance of Sphingomonas sp. was more than double in type A (10%) fountains compared to types B (4%) and C (5%), and Sandarakinorhabdus sp. were high in type A fountains (6%) and low in types B and C (1%). Overall this research showed that there were significant differences in the composition of bacterial communities in water and biofilm from the same site. Furthermore, significant variation exists between microbial communities present in the fountain types, which may be related to age. Long-established environments may lead to a greater chance of certain bacteria gaining abilities such as increased disinfection resistance. Variations between the structure of the bacterial community residing in water and biofilm and differences between fountain types show that it is essential to regularly test samples from individual locations to determine microbial quality.

Availability of drinking water in rural and remote communities in New South Wales, Australia

Many rural communities in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, have poor-quality water supplies. The lack of a palatable alternative increases the risk of the high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, a significant contributor to adverse health outcomes. This disproportionately effects Aboriginal people living in these towns, who are also profoundly affected by the social determinants of health. Therefore, examining health inequalities linked to water access is important. This study investigated the availability of drinking water fountains in rural and remote communities in NSW. Telephone interviewer-assisted surveys were conducted with 32 representatives from local government councils or Local Aboriginal Land Councils in NSW from communities with a population of <5000 and an Aboriginal population of at least 3%. The results were analysed descriptively. Towns and communities with a higher population of Aboriginal people and lower median weekly income were less likely to have access to free refrigerated and filtered water within the community or at local schools compared with towns and communities with a lower Aboriginal population and higher median weekly income. The availability of free, clean and refrigerated water in rural and remote communities is critical to reducing the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and the promotion of water as the preferred drink.

Microbial Contamination in Drinking Water Fountains and the Potential Risk Associated with Location and Cleanliness

As drinking water fountains are the main source of free drinking water in public spaces, microbiological quality standards in such facilities are strongly relevant to public health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological condition of drinking water fountains in a public institution, specifically investigating the presence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms and to establish possible causes of contamination. Microbiological analysis was conducted with samples from seven drinking water fountain bubbler faucets located near the restrooms. We evaluated the number of users of these fountains under two parameters: individuals who only drank water, and individuals who drank water after using the restroom. The biological samples were cultivated on a specific culture medium, and the results revealed the presence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp. Although our findings indicate the presence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms, the results showed no correlation between the number of isolated microorganisms and the number of water fountain users. No specific correlation between the frequency of use of drinking water fountains and restrooms location was identified. We therefore suggest that the contamination present on the surface of the drinking water fountains is due to both the inefficacy of the cleaning procedures and the location of the water fountains. Identification of public health-relevant pathogens may have serious consequences for users.

Türkiye'nin Batı Kesiminde Tularemi Salgını; İda Dağı'nın İntikamı

Objective: Tularemia is a zoonotic disease. Sporadic cases and outbreaks occur in humans. Here, we report a waterborne outbreak, its clinical presentation, and the results of treatment. Material and Methods: An increase in the frequency of patients presenting with lymphadenopathy from the same region was detected. Patients with serological diagnosis of tularemia were included in the study between December 2018 and April 2019. This case series were evaluated as an outbreak, clinical and laboratory parameters, demographic characteristics, clinical forms of tularemia and laboratory findings such as immunoglobulin M antibody titer for F. tularemia, inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, leukocytosis, erythrocyte sedimentation rate), choice of first antibiotic treatment, total duration of treatment, initial clinical/laboratory response day, relapse and reinfection ratios have been investigated. The bacteria was investigated from drinking water fountains by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (16sRNA Nanobiz® F. tularemia). Results: Tularemia was diagnosed serologically in 35 patients. Distribution of clinical forms was glandular (21 cases-60%); ulceroglandular (11 cases-31.4%); oropharyngeal (2 cases-5.7%) and oculoglandular (1 case-2.8%), respectively. First serologic test positivity was 80%. Inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein, leukocytes, erythrocyte sedimentation rate were high. Antibiotic choice for treatment was streptomycin in 19 cases (54.3%), ciprofloxacin in nine cases (25.7%), gentamicin in four cases (11.4%); doxycycline in three cases (8.6%) respectively. The common suspicious contact was the use of drinking water from street fountains. F.tularemia PCR (16sRNA) was positive in 35 of these fountains (35/80, 43.75%). Conclusion: Tularemia should always be considered in head and neck lymphandenopathies that do not heal or show late recovery. We should keep in mind tularemia in a water-borne outbreak, were high it is rare.

Willingness to pay of trail runners for sustainable country park use in Hong Kong

Trail running has evolved from a fringe to mainstream activity but is associated with a rise in adverse environmental impacts including trail degradation, littering and disturbance of wildlife. This study explores the preferences of trail running race participants for sustainable use of country parks in Hong Kong. We use a face-to-face survey and discrete choice experiment methodology to measure the willingness to pay of race participants for the provision of drinking water fountains, biodiversity conservation, trail maintenance and green auditing of race events. The results suggest that there is a latent desire among trail runners to contribute to the preservation of natural areas through a surcharge on top of race entry fees. Mean willingness to pay for the provision of drinking water, conservation of biodiversity and trail maintenance is estimated in 2018 to be USD 12, USD 19 and USD 24 respectively. Furthermore, from stakeholder interviews it is concluded that the proposed fund-raising mechanism of a surcharge on top of the race entry fee would be readily accepted by trail runners, race organisers, NGOs and the government. This paper presents a practical and acceptable model that tackles environmental degradation caused by trail running whilst instigating a more democratic management approach between the government and other park stakeholders.

Processing System and Evaluation Microbiological Quality of Drinking Water Fountain in Surabaya City

Introduction: Drinking water fountain (KASM) is one of the innovations of the Regional Drinking Water Company (PDAM) Surya Sembada Surabaya City to provide drinking where the location is in various public facilities. Health problems in people who consume KASM water can occur when the quality of water is not eligible. Unsafe drinking water can interfere with health and can cause waterborne disease. The purpose of writing this article is to identify the processing system and analyze the quality of water microbiology of KASM. Method: This type of research was a descriptive observational with case design report. Subject of study was drinking water fountain (KASM) was one of the innovations of the Regional Drinking Water Company (PDAM) Surya Sembadin the city of Surabaya. The data used was secondary data on 13 samples of KASM locations originating from the PDAM Surya Sembada Surabaya City and various literature. The method of data analysis used is qualitative. Result and Discussion: Water treatment in each KASM unit is an advanced process of water treatment plant (IPAM) PDAM Surya Sembada City of Surabaya. A series of water treatment processes through several equipments, consisting of: pressure tank, basin, low and high pressure switch, booster pump, radar, tank container, UV lamp, RO, Flow Reject, remineral, hexagonal, post-carbon, 1 micron catridge, GAC, 5 micron Catridge, and solenoid. Results of the evaluation of the microbiological quality of KASM based on the data quality Report water in January 2019-January 2020 indicates that the total parameters coliform at 13 point location 4.69% are not eligible, while for the parameter fecal coliform 100% qualified drinking water quality. Conclusion: monitoring of water quality, processing system, and sanitation need to be applied regularly to provide safe drinking water for the community

Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in drinking water fountains in urban parks

The presence of Staphylococcus aureus in drinking water is a concern because of its potential to cause human infection and also because of its multiple antimicrobial resistance. This study evaluated the water quality of drinking water fountains and mist makers in four municipal parks of São Paulo for 13 months. Although all samples met bacteriological water quality criteria according to Brazilian regulations, the absence of residual chlorine (<0.1 mg/L) was observed. These data were significantly correlated with the frequency of S. aureus that was found in 25.2% of the samples. The mecA gene was detected in 36.7% of the isolates demonstrating its potential for resistance to several antimicrobials. Furthermore, 27.3% isolates carrying the mecA gene had methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) phenotypic potential. The presence of S. aureus with characteristics of microbial resistance in water for human consumption is an unprecedented finding. Hence, conducting surveillance for opportunistic bacteria, such as staphylococci in drinking water, is reasonable to take control measures and to protect human health, especially in public places with high attendance.

Metro station free drinking water fountain- A potential “microplastics hotspot” for human consumption

Microplastics have become an inevitable component of our environment. Worldwide, free public fountains are common and one of the best sources of drinking water which are being installed with one of the viewpoints of reducing single-use plastics bottle consumption. However, the state of knowledge on how microplastics might be affecting in those free public drinking fountains is unknown. In this study, free drinking water fountains from 42 metro stations in Mexico City were being looked into for the occurrence of microplastics and investigated their shape type, size, abundance, distribution, polymer composition and surface morphology. Microplastics were detected in all the samples analyzed. The results revealed the significant abundance of microplastics ranging from 5 ± 2 to 91 ± 14 L−1 in drinking water with an overall average of 18 ± 7 microplastics L−1. Transparent fibers (69%) were predominant in the identified microplastics followed by blue (24%) and red colored (7%) fibers. The most frequent microplastics dimensions ranged between 0.1 and 1 mm which is approximately 75% of the total microplastics. Micro-Raman spectroscopy analysis indicated that microplastics contained in drinking water were mainly polyesters (poly (trimethylene terephthalate)) and epoxy resin suggesting the possible contribution of wastewater discharges for microplastics contamination. Thus, this study findings show that free public drinking water fountains are potential microplastics hotspot for human consumption and provide useful references for mitigation measures.

Accessibility of Public Buildings in Khulna, Bangladesh, for Wheelchair Users

Purpose : Physical accessibility is one of the fundamental rights of wheelchair users in order to ensure their integration into society. After Bangladesh ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) on November 30, 2007, there has been a paradigm shift in the government’s approach to ensure the welfare and rights of persons with disabilities through legislative and policy actions. This study assesses how accommodative the public buildings are for wheelchair users in Khulna, Bangladesh. Method : All the public buildings in Khulna city - including government offices, public schools, colleges and universities, hospitals, libraries, post offices and court buildings - were visited to assess the presence and suitability of facilities for wheelchair users, such as accessible parking, ramps, elevators, doors, and essential interior facilities like water closets and drinking-water fountains. Bangladesh has no specific accessibility guidelines document, but accessibility requirements have been included in the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) 2008. The study made its assessment using an abridged form of the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) and BNBC 2008. Results : Only 6.7% (5) of the 75 public buildings were found suitable for wheelchair users. There is scope for modifications to be made in 28% (21) of the buildings which are currently unsuitable for wheelchair users. Conclusion : The study revealed that public buildings are, in general, not very accommodative of wheelchair users. There is a need for modifications in infrastructure to ensure inclusive development of these individuals.

Surveying all public drinking water fountains in a city: outdoor field observations and Google Street View

Objective:Drinking fountains are a public amenity that may help counter the obesogenic environment (sugary beverages) and reduce the risk of heat stroke during heat waves. As a case study, we aimed to survey all public fountains in a city: Wellington, New Zealand, and to determine the utility of Google Street View in studying drinking fountains. Methods:Using a sample of all public drinking fountains in a City Council map, a field observer assessed their exact location and tap functionality, and photographed them. Google Street View was also used by the field observer and an independent observer to attempt fountain detection. Results:There were 47 fountains, found in only 6% of children's playgrounds and 29% of the parks (for a sample of the 10 largest suburbs). While the field observations showed that all 74 taps at the fountains delivered water, only 47% had taps for easy filling of drinking water bottles, and only 15% had bowls for dogs to drink from. Visible discolouration from algae/metal degradation was adjacent to 47% of nozzles. Google Street View detection of fountains by the field observer was successful for 68% and for 52% by the independent observer. Conclusions:The fountains were of generally high quality, but discolouration around the nozzle was common. Implications for public health:Additional investment in public fountains may be needed.

Access to public drinking water fountains in Berkeley, California: a geospatial analysis

BackgroundIn January 2015, Berkeley, California became the first city in the Unites States to impose a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. The tax is intended to discourage purchase of sugary beverages and promote consumption of healthier alternatives such as tap water. The goal of the study was to assess the condition of public drinking water fountains and determine if there is a difference in access to clean, functioning fountains based on race or socio-economic status.MethodsA mobile-GIS App was created to locate and collect data on existing drinking water fountains in Berkeley, CA. Demographic variables related to race and socio-economic status (SES) were acquired from the US Census – American Community Survey database. Disparities in access to, or condition of drinking water fountains relative to demographics was explored using spatial analyses. Spatial statistical-analysis was performed to estimate demographic characteristics of communities near the water fountains and logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between household median income or race and condition of fountain.ResultsAlthough most fountains were classified as functioning, some were dirty, clogged, or both dirty and clogged. No spatial relationships between demographic characteristics and fountain conditions were observed.DiscussionAll geo-located data and a series of maps were provided to the City of Berkeley and the public.ConclusionsThe geo-database created as an outcome of this study is useful for prioritizing maintenance of existing fountains and planning the locations of future fountains. The methodologies used for this study could be applied to a wide variety of asset inventory and assessment projects such as clinics or pharmaceutical dispensaries, both in developed and developing countries.

Fungi in water samples of a full-scale water work

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of the treatments used to eliminate fungal propagules in water plants and to investigate the biodiversity of fungal taxa in treated and drinking water. We investigated water from nine sites in two water plants and from one fountain. Up to 25 samples from each site were analysed. Identification of fungi was carried out mainly by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) or, if no MALDI-TOF MS reference spectra were available, by internal transcribed spacer (ITS), partial transcription elongation factor 1 (tef1) or partial beta-tubulin sequencing. A total of 92 taxa could be identified by either MALDI-TOF MS or sequencing. The taxonomic spectrum is in agreement with that reported in publications on fungal communities of drinking water. The treatment steps used reduced significantly fungal colonisation of the water: even if the final products (drinking water) from both plants differ statistically in their fungal colony-forming units (CFUs) content, the difference is not biologically meaningful. A multivariate analysis showed a separation of the sampling sites of the two plants, reflecting the different origin of the raw water and the different water treatment processes. Reduction of fungal CFU and number of taxa by the treatment steps was similar in the two plants and not influenced by the treatment methods. In both plants, the first step was responsible for at least 90% reduction of CFU. Low CFU levels were maintained over the whole process chain and the water transport to the drinking water fountain did not significantly modify the CFU number.

Heterotrophic bacteria in botte refill stations

&#x0D; Background: Heterotrophic bacteria are commonly found in water supplies where there is inadequate or non-existent disinfection. Water coolers are known to have high HPC levels due to the filtered, non-chlorinated water provided. Water bottle refill stations utilize a carbon filter which can act as a food source for HPC. This study measured HPC levels in water samples from bottle refill stations to determine whether there is a difference compared to tap water at BCIT. Method: Standard Method 9060 A was used to collect water from bottle refill stations to compare to non-filtered tap water. Samples were plated using R2A Agar and incubated for 7 days before enumerating HPC from water samples. Samples were collected from specific drinking water fountains that contained Carbon Filters and compared to the nearest tap water source. Results: Mean HPC levels in bottle refill stations were found at 95 cfu/mL while mean HPC levels in tap water were 55 cfu/mL. A two-sample T-test confirmed that the mean HPC levels of bottle refill stations and tap water are statistically significantly different (P= 0.000124). Although the findings were statistically significant, the study’s power was low at 11%. Conclusion: Based on the results, drinking water obtained from bottle-refill stations at BCIT contained on an average higher level of HPC compared to tap water. Overall, HPC levels were below recommended levels in drinking water and not considered to have any harmful effects. To continue the safe use of bottle refill stations, facilities should develop and follow written procedures to maintain stations and ensure regular changing of filters.&#x0D;

Fountain Autopsy to Determine Lead Occurrence in Drinking Water

Exposure to lead in drinking water poses a risk for various adverse health effects, and significant efforts have been made to monitor and eliminate lead exposure in drinking water. This study focused on the localization of lead exposure from 71 drinking water fountains in nonresidential buildings in order to determine the source of elevated lead and understand the effects of fountains associated with lead concentration in drinking water. Drinking water fountains containing lead-lined cooling tanks and brass fittings were found to release lead concentrations in excess of 10 μg/L, and fountains with low or infrequent usage and those with cooling tanks produced the highest concentrations (in excess of 20 μg/L) of lead. One particular fountain model found at several locations throughout the institution was associated with some of the highest lead concentrations measured throughout the study. This fountain was recalled in the United States, but not in Canada. This article adds to existing research demonstrating that drinking water fountains are a potentially significant and underappreciated source of lead exposure in nonresidential buildings.

Nosocomial outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa associated with a drinking water fountain

Over a four-month period, ten patients were suspected of having acquired nosocomial infection to P.aeruginosa in the ear, nose, and throat department. Environmental and clinical isolates were compared. Only water from a drinking water fountain was contaminated by P.aeruginosa. This isolate and those of three patients had indistinguishable random amplified polymorphic DNA profiles. These patients had serious oncology diseases. The drinking water fountain was used for their alimentation by percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and was the origin of the outbreak. Another type of drinking fountain with a terminal ultraviolet treatment was installed, following which no new infections linked to drinking water were identified.