Abstract
Water consumption is a routine part of daily life. In cities and public buildings, drinking fountains provide a means of satisfying thirst; however, they do not always provide a safe and enjoyable experience. Users frequently report issues related to cleanliness, water pressure, and ease of use. Unfortunately, this causes many individuals to avoid using drinking fountains. Instead, many choose to drink bottled water and contribute to the growing problem of plastic landfill waste. More often than not, plastic bottles are not recycled upon disposal. According to consumer reports, in 2006, approximately 50 billion (of the 72 billion plastic beverage bottles produced) ended up in landfills. This reality not only impacts the environment, but also perpetuates an inefficient and unsustainable mindset that allows resources to be consumed at a faster rate than necessary. By focusing on the indoor educational environment, we designed a drinking fountain that reflects purity, reliability, and innovation. We were able to address users' negative perceptions through the design of our fountain. Some of the product's features include a "hands-free" activation system, a filtration system that is indicated by a blue LED, a covered drain, and a basin that is conducive to filling water bottles. This fountain will further stand out in the marketplace by being easy to install and maintain, while cutting down on long-term service costs. Our hope is that by making drinking fountains more attractive, reliable, and reassuring we can influence new generations to ditch the bottle in favor of a more sustainable hydration system.
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