Comparative Evaluation of University Drinking Fountain Technology and Its Influence on the Physicochemical and Microbiological Water Quality

Abstract

Access to safe drinking water is a fundamental human right and crucial need for human health. On university campuses, drinking fountains are essential to provide safe drinking water, promote healthy habits, and reduce the use of plastic bottles among the university community. This research evaluated four university drinking fountains in Lima, Peru to understand how their technical design influences the physical–chemical and microbiological quality of the water they provide. Samples from the fountains underwent water quality analyse, based on internationally applied Standard Methods (Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater), for pH, alkalinity, hardness, conductivity, chloride, sodium, free ammonia, nitrate, (residual) free chlorine and microbial contamination. In addition, water quality results were compared to the Peruvian regulatory limits for drinking water (Decreto Supremo N.° 031-2010-SA). All samples met microbiological standards and regulatory limits for most water quality parameters. However, free chlorine levels were consistently below recommended levels and one fountain sample had very high hardness. By correlating water quality data with the presence of filters, dispensing mechanisms and hygienic design features, we demonstrate that fountains equipped with certified filters and hands‐free operation maintain more stable water chemistry, whereas those lacking filtration or maintenance exhibit greater variability. The findings underscore the importance of considering drinking fountains as technological systems whose performance affects water quality, and the need for continuous monitoring and proactive maintenance at the point of consumption.