Ensuring universal access to potable water.
In Viersen's bustling pedestrian zone, a new addition is set to offer a refreshing change. A fountain at the intersection of Lindenstraße and Petersstraße will soon provide fresh drinking water throughout spring and late autumn. With a simple press of a button, water will be dispensed into a small arc from a nozzle, making it easy to drink directly or fill containers. The water dispenser is designed to be accessible for individuals with mobility impairments. During the frost period, water supply to the fountain and similar features will be temporarily halted.
Speaking on the new amenity, Mayor Sabine Anemüller highlighted its potential benefits for the city's residents. "This addition, particularly advantageous for the elderly, young children, and the sick, serves as an active form of health protection," she stated. Anemüller expressed gratitude to NEW, who provided support for the project, enabling its implementation.
NEW CEO Frank Kindervatter emphasized the importance of accessible drinking water in public spaces, especially amidst rising temperatures. Kindervatter noted that their fountains offer an eco-friendly and healthy solution for obtaining drinking water conveniently.
Anna Weiland, Climate Adaptation Manager at the city of Viersen, pointed out that this initiative aligns with the city's climate change adaptation concept. Reducing the use of single-use plastic bottles for water helps decrease both environmental impact and carbon emissions.
The modern stainless steel fountains are equipped with hygienic and easy-to-clean surfaces. Regular automatic rinsing guarantees high water quality, with routine samples being taken for testing.
Two of the four total fountains, funded by the city, have already been installed, with one operational and another underway. The remaining two fountains, as well as upkeep costs, will be managed by the city. The first fountain outside of Viersen will be set up on the Old Market in Dülken, with another water dispenser to be installed as part of the ongoing redesign on the Lindenplatz in Süchteln. The location for the fourth fountain is currently under discussion.
Installing public drinking water fountains can offer numerous benefits, such as minimizing plastic waste, conserving natural resources, ensuring easy access to clean water, promoting hydration, and contributing to the aesthetic appeal of city centers. These fountains can also foster community interaction, create economic opportunities, and stimulate local economies, thereby supporting broader urban development goals.
Other science, such as environmental-science, could study the environmental impacts of this health-and-wellness initiative, like reducing plastic waste from single-use bottles and decreasing carbon emissions. mayor Anemüller's move, in collaboration with NEW, might also spur discussions on the integration of climate-change adaptation concepts in other city developments.
