Parisians and tourists alike have long relied on the city’s iconic green drinking fountains, known as fontaines Wallace, for a refreshing sip of water on the go. These elegant cast-iron fixtures, scattered across the French capital, are more than just decorative relics of the 19th century—they remain fully functional, providing free drinking water to the public. However, as hygiene concerns grow in the wake of global health crises, questions about the safety and maintenance of these fountains have come to the forefront. How does Paris ensure that its street-side drinking water remains clean and safe for consumption?

The answer lies in a meticulous and routine disinfection process overseen by the city’s water authority, Eau de Paris. Unlike indoor plumbing systems, which are shielded from environmental contaminants, public drinking fountains are exposed to dust, pollution, and human contact. To mitigate these risks, maintenance teams conduct regular inspections and cleaning cycles. The fountains are flushed with high-pressure water jets to remove debris, followed by a disinfectant rinse. The disinfectant used is typically a chlorine-based solution, carefully calibrated to eliminate bacteria without leaving an unpleasant taste.

Chlorination has been a cornerstone of water treatment in France for over a century, and its application in public fountains follows strict guidelines. The residual chlorine levels are monitored to ensure they stay within safe limits—enough to kill pathogens but not so high as to cause irritation or an off-putting flavor. In recent years, some fountains have also been equipped with UV sterilization systems as an additional layer of protection. These devices, installed inside the water flow mechanism, use ultraviolet light to neutralize microorganisms without altering the water’s composition.

Beyond chemical and technological measures, public awareness plays a crucial role in maintaining fountain hygiene. Signs near the fountains remind users to avoid touching the spout with their mouths, a common but unhygienic practice. Some newer models feature touchless designs, activated by motion sensors or foot pedals, minimizing direct contact. The city has also launched campaigns to discourage vandalism or misuse, which can compromise the fountains’ cleanliness. For instance, using them as makeshift washing stations or dumping waste into the basins can introduce contaminants that are harder to eliminate through routine cleaning.

Despite these precautions, occasional concerns arise. During heatwaves, for example, water stagnation in less frequently used fountains can become a breeding ground for bacteria. In response, Eau de Paris increases the frequency of inspections and flushes stagnant water from the system. Similarly, after major public events or protests, crews perform emergency cleanups to address any tampering or excessive debris. The goal is not just to react to problems but to anticipate them—a proactive approach that has kept the fountains largely incident-free.

Interestingly, the water sourced for these fountains comes from the same supply as Paris’s tap water, which is renowned for its quality. Originating from natural springs and protected underground aquifers, it undergoes rigorous testing before reaching the distribution network. By the time it emerges from a street fountain, it has passed through multiple checkpoints, including filtration and pH balancing. This ensures consistency with the water flowing from household taps, though the outdoor delivery system requires extra vigilance.

For visitors unfamiliar with the fountains, their ubiquity can be surprising. Over 1,200 are operational across Paris, with distinct designs ranging from the classic Wallace model to modern stainless-steel units. Each has a small plaque indicating its water source and maintenance schedule, a subtle reassurance of its reliability. Locals often carry reusable bottles to fill up, a sustainable practice encouraged by the city’s environmental policies. In a way, these fountains symbolize a broader commitment to public health and ecological responsibility.

As urban populations grow and climate change strains water resources, the role of public drinking fountains may evolve. Cities like Paris are already experimenting with smart fountains that monitor usage and quality in real time, transmitting data to central systems for analysis. Such innovations could further enhance safety while reducing maintenance costs. For now, though, the timeless appeal of these fixtures endures—a testament to their practicality and the careful, unseen work that keeps them pristine.