German drinking fountain webinar

The following are the topics that we generally cover at our webinars. Our free online webinars take place monthly, during which interested parties from the municipal, municipal, water supply or GalaBau sectors can learn in-depth knowledge within a very short period of time. During approximately 45 minutes, the most frequently asked questions will be answered. Individual questions can then be asked and answered by our experts.

1. What is a drinking fountain and how does it work?

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Vandalism resistance

Weatherproof, stainless steel or concrete

All our outdoor drinking fountains are safe against vandalism and weather conditions. The material consists either of high-strength stainless steel type 304, 316 or of washed concrete. These materials have proven effective in recent years and can be safely used in unattended, unprotected areas.

Accessibility DIN 18040

Many of our outdoor drinking water fountains are barrier-free and therefore meet the requirements for barrier-free construction in public institutions in accordance with DIN 18040. The side-mounted pools can be easily reached by children or people with walking difficulties to tap fresh water or drink directly from the drinking faucet.

Seasonal operation vs. year-round operation

There are two variants of our drinking water fountains: seasonal operation for operation during warm seasons and year-round operation, so that the appliances deliver water even when it freezes.

Seasonal operation

Although these systems can remain outside all year round without having to be dismantled, they must be disconnected from the water pipe or the shut-off valve must be shut off through the maintenance flap. The internal water pipe must then be drained so that no damage can occur due to expansion of the water in the event of frost.

Year-round operation

All freeze-resistant outdoor drinking fountains can be left outside all year round and release water even at sub-zero temperatures. The principle is simple: Through a return valve that is installed approximately 1.5 meters underground, excess water flows from the internal line to the sewage connection or the sump (see next point). This means that no standing water can occur and a hygienic rinse It is not necessary for hygienically perfect water (see next point).

Necessary lines

water pipe

All our drinking fountains are wired and therefore require a connection to the fixed water pipe (network connection).

sewage pipe

Optionally, the piped drinking water fountains can be connected to the sewage pipe, which has advantages or disadvantages depending on local conditions. Alternatively, excess water can be transferred to a so-called sump be initiated. Around 1 square meter of soil is excavated and filled with gravel and sand (materials that allow water to seep away faster than soil). As soon as something goes wrong when tapping water, the excess water flows into this septic tank, which means that no connection to the sewage pipe is necessary and the associated legal requirements become obsolete.

power connection

None of our drinking water fountains require a power connection. Neither for the year-round version, automatic hygienic flushing or sensor operation. All of the above functions are operated mechanically or only require standard batteries.

Hygienic flushing against stagnant water

All our “Murdock” drinking fountains can be equipped with so-called automatic hygienic flushing. Thanks to a magnetic valve, this ensures that water flows “as if by magic” through the internal pipes every 4 hours for 10 - 60 seconds in order to reduce stagnant water and the associated multiplication of germs. Laboratory tests have shown that it is sufficient to flush a water pipe every four hours to prevent excessive contamination.

waiter

pushbutton

We advise all our customers to choose a mechanically operated, self-closing push-button valve for water dispensing, as experience has shown that this is not susceptible to malfunctions.

sensor

Many of our outdoor water dispensers can be operated contactlessly via sensor. In this case, a vessel to be filled is placed in the water dispensing area. An infrared sensor activates the water output.

bottle push button

All Elkay bottle fillers can optionally be operated by pressing the bottle. Here, a container to be filled is placed in the water dispensing area and pressed down slightly. By pressing on the push button valve, the water output is triggered and only stops when the container is lifted up.

foot pedal

Many of Elkay's stationary models can be operated with a foot pedal. This option is custom-made and has delivery times of at least 3 months.

Design: Individual color selection

All of our outdoor drinking fountains can be delivered in your individual desired color (RAL, DB), such as DB 703 iron glitter. Such a powder coating has the advantage that it is resistant to contamination, as it can be easily cleaned and allows most liquids to roll off more easily than uncoated, brushed stainless steel. Concrete drinking fountains come in shades of beige and gray due to the natural coloring of the natural stones with which the exposed concrete is filled.

Installation: concrete slab/ground anchor

A prefabricated concrete foundation can be supplied for all Murdock standing drinking water fountains. This 60 cm x 60 cm x 15 cm concrete slab has pre-drilled installation holes for easy installation. A so-called ground anchor can be supplied with all standing drinking fountains from Elkay. This is dipped into the still liquid concrete. After the concrete has hardened, the system is then stably fastened and installed.

The operator installs himself

From a financial and logistical point of view, installing a local construction yard, for example, is the most efficient and effective solution.

Cost: €4,000 - €18,000

The costs of a drinking water fountains depend heavily on its equipment and vary between just under four thousand, such as Weser and sixteen thousand euros for, for example, cumberland fully equipped and as a year-round operation.

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2. Drinking water fountains in the Water Resources Act: Compact

The new Water Resources Act, which was passed in 2023, has profound changes in the area of drinking water fountains done. The amendment represents a significant development for management and resourcing of drinking water represents and aims to both the quality as well as the quantity ofthe Wassers, which is available in Germany, to improving.

The main point In the new law, the improvement The infrastructure. With the Act, the Establishment of drinking water  thick regulates. It sets stricter standards for the cleanliness and quality of water dispensers, resulting in safe and healthy drinking water. It requires well owners to carry out regular checks and maintenance work and to document them in a central register.

Another important aspect of the law is heightening The accessibility of drinking fountains. It demands which installation from drinking water wells in public spaces such as marketplaces, parks and schoolsto ensure that citizens have easy and free access to drinking water.

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2.1 Positive environmental aspects of TWB

Several positive environmental aspects:

1. First do they lead to a reduction in the consumption of disposable plastic bottles. Any time someone uses a drinking water fountain to fill a reusable water bottle, the need for a single-use plastic bottle is eliminated. that reduces which quantity at plastic wastethat are produced and helps to soiling of our oceans and land areas to reduce.

2. Second Can the pumping of local tap water via drinking fountain reduce CO2 footprint, the one with the transportation is connected by bottled water. Compared to bottled water, which often has to be transported over long distances, tap water has a much lower CO2 footprint. A total of approx. 600 times...

Overall, water dispenser contribute to promoting sustainable practices At, by using the reduce dependence on single-use plastic bottles and Reduce CO2 footprint. They are an important part of efforts to build a sustainable and environmentally friendly water infrastructure.

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3.2 Positive health aspects

The construction of drinking water fountains and free access to clean drinking water can have a number of positive health effects.

1. First Does easy access to water promote hydration, what for the overall health is crucial is. One adequate hydration Can the improve cognitive function, the physical efficiency increase and that risk of disorders (urinary tract infections and kidney stones) reduce.

2. Second Can easier access to drinking fountains contribute to consume of sugary drinks toward reducing, which in turn increases the risk of preponderance, type 2diabetes and others health problems can decrease.

3. Finally, the installation of drinking fountains in public areas contributes to a fairer distribution of health resources by ensuring that people regardless of their incomes or have access to clean drinking water at home. This can help reduce health inequalities and improve overall public health.

Overall, the availability of clean drinking water can significantly contribute to Promoting public health contribute.

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4. Which city must set up this TWB and when?

The new Water Resources Act (WHG) calls for a general improvement in the accessibility of drinking water, although no specific municipalities or cities Who will be named to install these systems obliges are. It is used by Expected to all municipalities and cities that they meet the requirements of the Act relating to the improvement of water infrastructure.

With regard to timeframes Does the law call for continuous improvement of drinking water infrastructure, but lays down no specific deadlines for the construction of drinking fountains. Instead, requires It that Municipalities and cities one plan to improvement The Develop drinking water infrastructure and implementing, which led to the construction of can include water dispenser.

It is important to note that the specific implementation of the requirements of the Act depends on specific conditions and Needs everyone commune or Vary city Can. It is expected that both urban as well rural areas measures to improvement The Drinking water infrastructure take the specific measures depending on local conditions and resources may vary.

5. Financing the TWB

First Are the costs of building new drinking fountains often calculated by Municipalities worn. Municipalities can cover these costs through fees and duties that they collect from citizens and companies. However, it is important to note that these costs are often due to State-owned and federal grants, which are provided to improve water infrastructure, subsidizes become.

Second Will they running costs for the maintenance and repair of drinking fountains, usually carried by those who own and operate the wells. This can Municipalities, water supply company or even be private institutions.

‍Overall is the funding of drinking fountains in Germany a joint responsibility of state, municipalities, water supply company and private actors as well.