Vienna Introduces Its 1,600th Public Drinking Fountain

Vienna has reached a significant milestone with the launch of its 1,600th public drinking fountain, marking a new record for the city. As the recent chilly weather gives way to warmer spring temperatures, the city has reactivated its public fountains, ensuring residents and visitors have access to refreshing drinking water. The increase in the number of fountains is part of a broader initiative to enhance public health and urban livability.

The city has substantially expanded its network of drinking fountains since 2021, adding 500 new locations, with 100 of these installed in the past year alone. This effort underscores the city's commitment to providing accessible hydration options across Vienna.

According to city officials, the annual activation of the fountains typically begins around World Water Day on March 22 in the city center, where the risk of frost is lower in spring. Fountains located on the outskirts of the city are activated subsequently.

A majority of these drinking fountains are managed by the Vienna City Gardens (MA 42), strategically placed in parks and playgrounds, as well as busy marketplaces and public squares, to maximize accessibility.

Vienna's extensive network of drinking fountains stands out in comparison to other major cities. With a remarkable 80 fountains per 100,000 residents, Vienna significantly outpaces Berlin, which has merely six, and Munich with five fountains per the same population size. Over the last four years, Vienna has installed more than twice as many new fountains as Berlin has in total.

The presence of more public drinking fountains is viewed as an essential factor contributing to the health and quality of life for Vienna's residents, particularly during hot weather. The city continues to explore opportunities for additional fountain installations, especially in areas undergoing urban expansion and redevelopment.

During the summer months, these public fountains, along with misting installations known as "Brunnhilden," provide vital relief from the heat. Additionally, there are 100 summer misting units attached to fire hydrants, further enhancing the city's cooling measures.

As the season progresses, the continued efforts to provide accessible drinking water demonstrate Vienna's dedication to public health and environmental sustainability.

For more information about Vienna's public drinking fountains, visit wien.gv.at/wienwasser.