Term 4 is when many schools plan summer works and next year's budgets. A drinking fountain looks like a simple purchase, but where it goes and how it is set up can be the difference years of easy use or a constant stream of maintenance jobs.
TLDR
- Drainage: Plan where the water will go, especially in frosty areas.
- Placement: Choose busy spots, avoid permanent shade in cold regions.
- Environment: Keep fountains away from sandpits and think about local weather.
- Height: 700mm is common in primary schools, 900mm suits secondary students.
- Features: Consider a bottle filler, hose tap or vandal-resistant shrouding.
The Ministry of Education says students should have easy access to drinking water during learning time and breaks, with fountains spread out near learning and play areas, and a mix of indoor and outdoor supply. [1] It also encourages schools to go "water-only", where water and plain reduced-fat milk are the only drinks at school. [2] A good fountain makes that easy.
Here are the five things to check before you choose.
1. How will the water drain away?
Before choosing a fountain, think about how water will be managed around the installation area. Is there existing drainage nearby, or can water safely drain away from the site?
This matters most in cold areas. Standing water can create slippery surfaces during winter and frost conditions. In these situations, a drained drinking fountain is often the safest option. Browse our self-draining fountains or get in touch and we'll help you work out what suits your site.
2. Where is the best place to put it?
Think about where students will need them: near classrooms, playgrounds, sports fields and other busy areas. Spread fountains out so no one has a long walk and queues don't build up in one spot.
If you are in a colder part of the country, look at the sun and shade. A fountain on the south side of a building, or in a spot that is always in shade, is more likely to have frost and freezing problems. Where you can, choose a spot under the building eaves or somewhere that catches the sun.
Not sure where to start? Our school fountain placement infographic shows the most common high-traffic spots.
3. What is the surrounding environment like?
Look at what is around the fountain, not just the fountain itself.
- Keep fountains away from sandpits. Sand can damage bubbler taps and other parts over time.
- Think about your local weather. Frost and other local conditions affect how long a fountain lasts.
- Think about how the area is used. A fountain in a busy, high-traffic spot takes more wear than one by a quiet classroom block.
4. What height should the fountain be?
The right height means students can drink comfortably without stretching or bending. As a guide:
- 900mm suits most public spaces and secondary school students.
- 700mm is commonly used in primary schools.
- Early childhood centres and preschools: a wall-mounted fountain at a custom height is often the best fit.
Remember students who use wheelchairs too. Check that at least one fountain on your site is easy for everyone to reach, and have a look at our wheelchair accessible range.
5. Which extra features do you need?
Think about how the fountain will really be used day to day:
- Will students refill drink bottles regularly? If yes, a bottle filler saves time and cuts queues.
- Would a hose tap help your caretaker? A hose tap lets staff connect a hose for grounds maintenance and cleaning.
- Is vandal-resistant shrouding needed? In higher-risk areas, shrouding protects the tapware from damage.
Important: check the water side
Schools must protect their drinking water network from contamination by installing backflow devices. [3] Ask your plumber or property adviser to confirm what your site needs before installation.
Checklist
- ☐ Is there drainage, or can water drain safely away?
- ☐ In a cold area, is a drained fountain the safer choice?
- ☐ Is it near classrooms, play areas or sports fields?
- ☐ Is it out of permanent shade, and ideally under eaves or in the sun?
- ☐ Is it well away from sandpits?
- ☐ Is the mounting height right for the age group (900mm, 700mm or custom)?
- ☐ Do you need a bottle filler, hose tap or vandal-resistant shrouding?
- ☐ Has your plumber confirmed backflow requirements?
Frequently asked questions
Where should drinking fountains go in a school?
Near classrooms, playgrounds, sports fields and other high-traffic areas, spread out so students can reach one easily. The Ministry of Education also expects a mix of indoor and outdoor drinking water. [1]
Why does drainage matter for a school drinking fountain?
Standing water can create slippery surfaces during winter and frost conditions. In colder regions, a drained drinking fountain is often the safest option.
What height should a primary school drinking fountain be?
700mm is commonly used in primary schools. 900mm suits secondary students and most public spaces.
Ready to plan your school's fountains?
Getting these five questions right early makes the rest of the project much easier. Browse our drinking fountains for schools, or contact our team for advice on placement and options. Many schools also access funding support through our ADA partnership. See how Cockle Bay School upgraded its fountain for a real example.
Drainage, placement, environment, height and feature guidance is from Mountain Fresh's fountain team.
Sources
- Ministry of Education, Drinking water: Schools on town supply - education.govt.nz
- Ministry of Education, Why promote healthy lifestyles (water-only schools) - education.govt.nz
- Ministry of Education, Water supply for schools - education.govt.nz