Why Sustainable Materials Are Essential for Public Drinking Water Stations
Cities, municipalities, schools and public transport operators all face an important social responsibility. European directives encourage local authorities to make free, high-quality drinking water accessible to everyone in public spaces.
Installing public drinking water stations is the most effective way to reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles while providing people with fresh tap water on the go. However, an outdoor drinking water station is exposed to extreme conditions, ranging from changing weather and freezing temperatures to intensive daily use and potential vandalism.
That is why the choice of high-quality, durable materials is the deciding factor between a short-term expense and a long-term investment.
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Why Does Material Choice Matter for Outdoor Drinking Water Stations?
In the past, drinking water in public spaces was often provided through traditional washbasins in sanitary facilities or old metal drinking fountains.
In practice, these traditional solutions present several challenges: they are often unhygienic (because users have to place their mouths close to the water outlet), they make it difficult or impossible to refill a reusable water bottle, and they are typically shut down during winter to prevent frost damage.
When installing a public drinking water station, the materials must be able to withstand three major challenges:
- Wear and tear from intensive use
- Weather conditions
- Vandalism
Sustainable Materials for Public Drinking Fountains
To ensure that a public drinking water station has a long service life while supporting a climate-neutral vision, AQUALEX combines advanced circular materials with premium metals.
1. Recycled Housing Made from Flax Waste and Post-Consumer HDPE
The environmental impact of a drinking water station starts with its housing. For innovative models such as the Circulo range, the housing is partially manufactured from sustainable materials, including locally sourced flax waste and recycled post-consumer HDPE plastics.
By repurposing agricultural by-products and post-consumer plastic waste, we give discarded materials a new, high-value purpose in public spaces while significantly reducing the carbon footprint of production.
2. Stainless Steel and Chrome-Plated Brass for Water-Contact Components
While the housing contributes to the product's environmental performance and durability, the internal components are in direct contact with drinking water. AQUALEX taps and water-contact components are manufactured from high-quality, wear-resistant stainless steel and chrome-plated brass.
Stainless steel has a naturally smooth, non-porous surface that prevents bacteria and biofilm from adhering to it, making it essential for maintaining optimal hygiene in outdoor environments. In addition, stainless steel is 100% recyclable at the end of its service life.
The Best Materials and Features for a Public Drinking Water Station
A public drinking fountain installed in a playground, sports facility or railway station must be able to withstand heavy use. The best material for a vandal-resistant drinking water station combines a robust construction with a smart, streamlined design that eliminates loose or fragile parts.
In addition to the materials themselves, several key features contribute to long-term performance:
- Winterproof design: Unlike older drinking fountains that have to be manually shut off every autumn, AQUALEX outdoor drinking water stations are frost-resistant and remain operational all year round without the risk of frozen pipes.
- Touchless sensors and antibacterial materials: Users do not need to touch the station. A simple hand movement in front of the optical sensor activates the water flow, reducing the risk of bacterial transmission.
- Maximum accessibility: A modern outdoor drinking water station is ergonomically designed with multiple dispensing heights, allowing children, wheelchair users and adults to refill their reusable water bottles easily and independently.
Four Real-Life Examples of Sustainable Public Drinking Water Stations
These four inspiring projects demonstrate how choosing durable materials and innovative design delivers lasting value in real-world applications.
1. NMBS: Sustainable Accessibility in Busy Railway Stations
NMBS selected AQUALEX's robust Longo drinking water systems for its busiest railway stations. These public drinking water stations feature touchless operation and are equipped with Braille markings, allowing visually impaired passengers to refill their water bottles completely independently.
“We are incredibly proud to bring filtered tap water directly into railway stations with AQUALEX and make it accessible to everyone. Through this initiative, we actively contribute to reducing plastic waste while encouraging a more sustainable way of travelling, where small everyday choices can make a big difference for our planet.” — Joren Vrijsen, Key Account Manager Tender & Care at AQUALEX
Discover the full NMBS railway station project case study.
2. Mishagen Nature Trail (Brasschaat & Pidpa): A Refreshing Stop at the Sports Park
At the starting point of the Mishagen Nature Trail in Brasschaat, water utility Pidpa, the municipality of Brasschaat and AQUALEX installed the ALASQ drinking water fountain. Walkers, runners and families can refill their reusable water bottles with fresh tap water free of charge at any time of the day.
“This drinking water fountain not only symbolises the close collaboration between Pidpa and the municipality of Brasschaat, but also highlights our daily commitment to providing everyone with healthy, great-tasting and affordable tap water.” — Christophe Poels, Sales & Marketing Director at Pidpa
Learn more about the Mishagen Nature Trail installation.
3. Pius X Kortrijk: A Hygienic Upgrade for the School Playground
Pius X Primary School in Kortrijk previously relied on old, traditional stainless steel drinking fountains. Students often had to place their mouths directly against the water outlet, refilling water bottles was inconvenient, and the fountains were shut down during the winter to prevent frost damage.
The school replaced them with two ALASQ Muro wall-mounted models installed at different heights to ensure easy access for all students.
Thanks to their frost-resistant stainless steel design and the ability to refill reusable water bottles with ease, children now bring their own reusable bottles to both the classroom and the playground.
Discover why Pius X chose modern drinking fountains and taps for schools.
4. De Watergroep: 100 Outdoor Drinking Water Stations Along Walking and Cycling Routes
Drinking water utility De Watergroep is rolling out no fewer than 100 sustainable outdoor drinking water stations along popular cycling routes, in playgrounds and public parks across Flanders.
“With these outdoor drinking water stations, we give passers-by the opportunity to refill their reusable water bottles free of charge with fresh, locally produced drinking water while they are on the go. It is not only an easy and healthy way to stay hydrated, but also an important step towards a more sustainable society. By choosing tap water and reusable bottles, we can significantly reduce CO₂ emissions.” — Brigitte Van Damme, Local Spokesperson at De Watergroep
Discover De Watergroep’s outdoor drinking water station initiative.
Checklist for Choosing a Sustainable Public Drinking Water Station
Use this checklist to assess the quality and sustainability of a public drinking water station.
- Choose durable and circular materials. Check whether the housing is made from recycled or circular materials. AQUALEX, for example, uses locally sourced flax waste and recycled post-consumer HDPE plastics.
- Check the quality of the water-contact components. High-quality stainless steel and chrome-plated brass help prevent biofilm formation and corrosion, improving both hygiene and the product's lifespan.
- Ensure accessibility for everyone. A well-designed drinking water station should be suitable for children, wheelchair users and people with visual impairments. Multiple dispensing heights and optional Braille signage make all the difference.
- Verify that the unit is designed for intensive outdoor use. A robust construction should withstand vandalism, harsh weather conditions and freezing temperatures without having to be taken out of service during winter.
- Choose a hygienic dispensing system. Touchless sensor technology eliminates direct contact with the tap, reducing the risk of contamination.
Conclusion: Invest in a More Sustainable Public Space
Installing public drinking water stations is one of the most effective ways to reduce plastic waste while complying with European drinking water accessibility directives.
By choosing durable materials such as circular plastics and wear-resistant stainless steel, you ensure a long service life, low maintenance costs and maximum hygiene for every user.
From the busy platforms of NMBS railway stations to the recreational cycling routes supported by De Watergroep, premium material selection makes the difference between a temporary pilot project and a lasting public asset.
Looking to Install a Sustainable Outdoor Drinking Water Station?
Whether you're a municipality, school or organisation, our experts are happy to provide no-obligation advice. Or explore our complete range of innovative public drinking water stations and drinking fountains for schools and universities.
