How to drink from a water fountain – without catching something

As part of a push to reduce plastic waste, London’s mayor has announced that drinking fountains are to return. But is it as safe as water at home? And how do you avoid getting oral herpes?

Wonderful news! Water fountains are coming back. In an attempt to tackle plastic waste, the old municipal staple will be installed in public places in London so we can have a free drink and top up refillable bottles. But can we be sure the water is clean? If your lips touch the spout, will you get herpes or some other orally transmissible infection? Should you wipe the spout before drinking? Or perhaps do a sneaky inspection of the person in front of you to establish if their oral hygiene is up to scratch?

Water fountains have been a feature of cities since the ancient Greeks put them near temples and dedicated them to gods and heroes. Britain caught up in the mid-19th century, with the Metropolitan Free Drinking Fountain Association responsible for 800 drinking fountains in London alone. The technology used to help reduce the risk of infectious diseases has improved, including slanted jets of water, filters and better maintenance. But over the past 30 to 40 years, drinking fountains have been disappearing because of the marketing of bottled water, a lack of investment and maintenance by local authorities, and concern about health risks. So, how best to ensure a hygienic experience?

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