Water Fountain Filters: Types, Identification, Benefits, and Maintenance

Water fountains are common fixtures in public spaces, schools, and offices, providing convenient access to drinking water. Many people wonder about the quality of this water and whether fountains incorporate filtration systems. The answer is that some water fountains have filters while others don’t. Modern drinking fountains increasingly include filtration systems to remove contaminants and improve taste, while older models may lack this feature. The presence of filters varies based on the fountain’s age, model, location, and local water quality regulations.

Water fountains come in several varieties, each with different filtration possibilities:

• Traditional water fountains: Older models typically connect directly to water supply lines without filtration. These basic units rely on the municipal water treatment system for water quality.
• Modern drinking fountains: Contemporary models often incorporate built-in filtration systems that remove contaminants, improve taste, and eliminate odors.
• Bottle filling stations: These newer installations almost always include advanced filtration systems, often with digital indicators showing filter status and usage counts.
• Refrigerated water coolers: These units frequently contain carbon filters and sometimes additional filtration technologies.

The presence of filtration systems has become increasingly common as public awareness of water quality issues has grown. Many facilities are upgrading older fountains or installing new models with robust filtration capabilities.

Common Filtration Systems Used in Water Fountains

Modern water fountains may use several types of filtration technologies:

• Activated carbon filters: The most common type, these remove chlorine, odors, and some contaminants while improving taste.
• Sediment filters: These catch particles like rust, sand, and sediment.
• Lead reduction filters: Specialized filters designed to remove lead from water.
• Bacteriostatic filters: These inhibit bacterial growth within the filtration system.
• Reverse osmosis: Premium fountains may use this advanced filtration method that removes a wide range of contaminants.

Many modern water fountains use multi-stage filtration combining two or more of these technologies for comprehensive water treatment. The complexity of the filtration system typically correlates with the price point of the fountain.

Filter Certification Standards

Quality water fountain filters often carry certifications from recognized organizations:

• NSF/ANSI 42: Certifies filters for aesthetic effects (taste, odor, chlorine reduction)
• NSF/ANSI 53: Certifies filters for health effects (reduction of specific contaminants)
• NSF/ANSI 372: Certifies low lead compliance

These certifications provide assurance that the filtration system meets specific standards for contaminant reduction. Facilities managers often look for these certifications when selecting water fountains for installation.

How to Identify if a Water Fountain Has a Filter

Several visual indicators can help determine if a water fountain contains a filtration system:

• Filter indicator lights: Many modern fountains have LED indicators showing filter status.
• Certification stickers: Look for NSF or WQA certification labels on the fountain.
• Manufacturer information: Check for brand names associated with filtration (Elkay, Halsey Taylor, Oasis).
• Maintenance records: Public facilities often keep logs of filter replacements near the units.
• Digital displays: Advanced units may show filter life remaining or gallons filtered.

When in doubt, users can inquire with facility management or maintenance staff. Schools, hospitals, and government buildings usually maintain documentation about their water systems, including filtration capabilities.

Benefits of Filtered Water Fountains

Water fountains with filtration systems offer several advantages:

• Improved water quality: Filters remove contaminants like lead, chlorine, and particulates.
• Better taste and odor: Activated carbon filtration significantly improves palatability.
• Reduced environmental impact: Filtered fountains encourage reusable bottle use, reducing plastic waste.
• Cost efficiency: While initially more expensive, filtered fountains often save money compared to bottled water provision.
• Health benefits: Properly filtered water reduces exposure to potential contaminants.

Many institutions are upgrading to filtered fountains to demonstrate their commitment to user health and environmental responsibility. The improved user experience typically leads to greater utilization of these water sources.

Comparing Filtered vs. Non-Filtered Water Fountains

Feature	Filtered Water Fountains	Non-Filtered Water Fountains
Initial Cost	Higher ($1,000-$3,000+)	Lower ($500-$1,500)
Maintenance Costs	Higher (filter replacement)	Lower (basic maintenance only)
Water Quality	Enhanced beyond municipal treatment	Municipal treatment only
Taste	Generally better	Varies based on local water supply
Contaminant Reduction	Significant reduction of multiple contaminants	Limited to municipal treatment levels
User Confidence	Higher	Lower

The decision to install filtered or non-filtered fountains often depends on budget constraints, water quality concerns, and institutional priorities. Many facilities opt for a hybrid approach, installing filtered fountains in high-traffic areas while maintaining non-filtered units elsewhere.

Popular Water Fountain Filter Models and Brands

Several manufacturers dominate the filtered water fountain market:

Brand	Popular Models	Filter Technology	Price Range
Elkay	EZH2O, LZS	WaterSentry Plus (carbon)	$1,000-$3,500
Halsey Taylor	HydroBoost, HTHB	WaterSentry (carbon + lead)	$1,200-$3,000
Oasis	PG8EBF, PGFEBF	VersaFilter (multi-stage)	$900-$2,800
Haws	H1119, 1900 Series	Aqua-Pure (carbon block)	$1,100-$2,500
Global Industrial	Water Sentry VII	Carbon block filtration	$800-$1,800

Each manufacturer offers various filter replacement options with different lifespans, typically ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 gallons or approximately 6-12 months of use in average settings. Institutional buyers should consider both initial purchase price and ongoing filter replacement costs.

Maintenance Requirements for Water Fountain Filters

Proper maintenance is crucial for filtered water fountains:

• Regular filter replacement: Typically every 6-12 months depending on usage and filter type.
• Filter monitoring: Check indicator lights or digital displays to know when replacement is needed.
• Surface cleaning: Regular disinfection of fountain surfaces prevents contamination.
• Flow checking: Reduced water flow often indicates filter clogging.
• System flushing: After filter changes, systems should be flushed according to manufacturer instructions.

Maintenance responsibility typically falls to facility management staff. Some manufacturers offer maintenance contracts to ensure proper filter replacement and system upkeep. Neglected filters can actually become sources of contamination, so regular maintenance is essential.

Regulations and Standards for Water Fountain Filtration

Various regulations influence water fountain filtration requirements:

• Safe Drinking Water Act: Sets baseline standards for public water systems.
• Lead-Free Schools Act: Encourages testing and remediation in educational facilities.
• State and local regulations: Many jurisdictions have additional requirements for public water sources.
• Building codes: Some newer building standards specify filtration requirements for drinking water.

These regulations vary by location but have generally become more stringent over time. Public facilities, especially schools and healthcare settings, often exceed minimum requirements by installing comprehensive filtration systems.

The EPA does not regulate water fountains directly but sets standards for the municipal water that supplies them. Facilities managers should familiarize themselves with both federal and local requirements affecting their water systems.