Is a drinking fountain at our HOA park a bad idea?

TomE8 (North Carolina)
Posts: 10

Posted:

Two men at our HOA meeting today insisted that putting in a drinking fountain at our HOA park would be a bad idea because there could easily be days or even weeks at a time that no one would use it and dangerous bacteria could build up which could make people sick. I asked someone in our city water department and also two contractors who I got quotes from to put in water/sewer lines and build a rest room and all didn't think it would be an issue.

Does anyone have knowledge and/or experience in this area and have any idea if this is something to be concerned about?

PitA
Posts: 1,416

Posted:

As a retired plumber with hospital experience:

If not used for long periods the water supply piping WILL act as a code prohibited dead end allowing bacteria to become an issue requiring flushing before futher use.

The 'nay sayers' are correct from a practical point of view.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Why not talk to a drink dispensing company instead? Get a coke/Pepsi machine. I believe in some cases they will actually "Rent" the space to place their machines. Of course, your HOA would have to build a small covered shed with electricity. You can then offer a recycle spot for plastic or cans. Take the cans for some cash.

As for a bathroom, consider a port a potty. Maybe make a covered removable shed to cover it. The cost may be less than building a full on bathroom. Won't have to run pipes and plumbing. Plus since already running electrical for the machines can have a light installed.

Call a vending company to see what they have to offer or ideas. If this idea is not affordable, then I would point that out to the people proposing the idea. Ask them to get bids and present their options. It's their idea, they should do some of the work. My rule of thumb was if you had an idea you had to have a solution. Otherwise, we picked one out for you... Which may mean NOT approving your idea....

Former HOA President

DouglasK1 (Florida)
Posts: 2,046

Posted:

You also need to consider that you will probably need to turn off the water to the fountains in winter and back on in the spring. Do you have maintenance staff that can be counted on to do that?

Escaped former treasurer and director of a self managed association.

GenoS (Florida)
Posts: 4,276

Posted:

Soft drinks are to water as ketchup is to vegetables.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,062

Posted:

vending machines can dispense water along or instead of soft drinks.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

There are machines for gatorade or water. Another idea outside the box... Why not a refrigerator? The HOA could lock it or have one with a water dispenser. Keep it stocked and those who contribute to the upkeep get a key. Sill some maintence issues but may be good for other events.

Do not know how you HOA is set up or the area. However, giving some ideas for a discussion for a solution. Just brainstorming a bit.

Former HOA President

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,062

Posted:

Melissa,

I do believe that the issue of non-use that they are concerned about with a drinking fountain would be the same with a refrigerator water dispenser.

If it's not used, it builds up bacteria

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Lets call it a test of the waters... See how successful that is before going all out on a bigger project.

Former HOA President

NpS (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 4,216

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By MelissaP1 on 02/14/2016 5:10 AM
Another idea outside the box... Why not a refrigerator?

Why a refrigerator at all if you're only going to think about what's outside the box. It's what you put inside the box that matters.

Sikubali jukumu. Read all posts at your own risk.

PitA
Posts: 1,416

Posted:

Don't forget the butter warmer you purchase to keep the butter 'tepid' after you place it inside the 'fridge'.

Which you have placed inside your warmed house in the middle of winter

? Parkinson's Laws anyone ?

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Let's think... What do you do at a park? Could you picnic or grill out? Could the HOA have special events? Would a refrigerator not be convenient to have on such occasions? Seems to me that not knowing the set up of this person's park area we don't know what best would suit their needs. A water fountain option with a dog bowl attached may be a good option. A water cooler or a vending machine may work. Who knows for sure. Just giving the OP some options to think about.

Former HOA President

PitA
Posts: 1,416

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By MelissaP1 on 02/14/2016 1:20 PM
Let's think... What do you do at a park? Could you picnic or grill out? Could the HOA have special events? Would a refrigerator not be convenient to have on such occasions? Seems to me that not knowing the set up of this person's park area we don't know what best would suit their needs. A water fountain option with a dog bowl attached may be a good option. A water cooler or a vending machine may work. Who knows for sure. Just giving the OP some options to think about.

However, as per the OP, we DO know. To wit:

.....there could easily be days or even weeks at a time that no one would use it and dangerous bacteria could build up which could make people sick.

Said statement being accurate and correct.

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

A previous social committee here bought a "Kegerator," which they thought only could be used for kegs. They used it once.

A new Committee realized it could be used as a mini fridge--it's on wheels-- and it's been used it in several places on our premises. It's not available for general use, but has been used for HOA social events. When not in use, it's stored in the Social Committee's pantry with the door ajar. A day before events, it's plugged in, loaded with beverages and wheeled to its needed location right before the activity. So much more convenient than those huge picnic chests!

But I guess your "park" is far away form electricity?

Tom, why do you think your HOA park needs a drinking fountain & rest room? It seems to me, as a capital expense, your board might want to survey your Owners to see if they'd use it and if they're willing to pay for it.

How much would it cost to build, plumb and maintain, anyway? What size is your HOA, Tom?

GeorgeR8 (Arizona)
Posts: 182

Posted:

Since the thread asks if it is a bad idea I would say yes. If it may not be used for weeks at a time I don't think you have the demand to justify the expense.

KellyM3 (North Carolina)
Posts: 2,239

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By TomE8 on 02/13/2016 3:40 PM
Two men at our HOA meeting today insisted that putting in a drinking fountain at our HOA park would be a bad idea because there could easily be days or even weeks at a time that no one would use it and dangerous bacteria could build up which could make people sick. I asked someone in our city water department and also two contractors who I got quotes from to put in water/sewer lines and build a rest room and all didn't think it would be an issue.

Does anyone have knowledge and/or experience in this area and have any idea if this is something to be concerned about?

Tom,

A water fountain is like any other community amenity. If installed, it increases the need of regular maintenance which would cure the bacteria buildup allegation.

However, one more thing to consider is whether your HOA park is private or public property in terms of who you allow to use the space. Our community would void the ability have police regulate trespassing, on our behalf, with the presence of vending machines, for instance, because they draw people. I'm not sure how a water fountain would fall into any such equation.

All told, if your residents would actively use a fountain, install it and care for it. If it truly would not be used for weeks at a time (winter excepted), then pass. The bacteria argument is hokey and flies in the face of all those water spigots you find at city parks everywhere that get broken, not repaired or turned off in cold weather.

KellyM3 (North Carolina)
Posts: 2,239

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By TomE8 on 02/13/2016 3:40 PM
Two men at our HOA meeting today insisted that putting in a drinking fountain at our HOA park would be a bad idea because there could easily be days or even weeks at a time that no one would use it and dangerous bacteria could build up which could make people sick. I asked someone in our city water department and also two contractors who I got quotes from to put in water/sewer lines and build a rest room and all didn't think it would be an issue.

Does anyone have knowledge and/or experience in this area and have any idea if this is something to be concerned about?

Tom,

A water fountain is like any other community amenity. If installed, it increases the need of regular maintenance which would cure the bacteria buildup allegation.

However, one more thing to consider is whether your HOA park is private or public property in terms of who you allow to use the space. Our community would void the ability have police regulate trespassing, on our behalf, with the presence of vending machines, for instance, because they draw people. I'm not sure how a water fountain would fall into any such equation.

All told, if your residents would actively use a fountain, install it and care for it. If it truly would not be used for weeks at a time (winter excepted), then pass. The bacteria argument is hokey and flies in the face of all those water spigots you find at city parks everywhere that get broken, not repaired or turned off in cold weather.

KellyM3 (North Carolina)
Posts: 2,239

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By TomE8 on 02/13/2016 3:40 PM
Two men at our HOA meeting today insisted that putting in a drinking fountain at our HOA park would be a bad idea because there could easily be days or even weeks at a time that no one would use it and dangerous bacteria could build up which could make people sick. I asked someone in our city water department and also two contractors who I got quotes from to put in water/sewer lines and build a rest room and all didn't think it would be an issue.

Does anyone have knowledge and/or experience in this area and have any idea if this is something to be concerned about?

Tom,

A water fountain is like any other community amenity. If installed, it increases the need of regular maintenance which would cure the bacteria buildup allegation.

However, one more thing to consider is whether your HOA park is private or public property in terms of who you allow to use the space. Our community would void the ability have police regulate trespassing, on our behalf, with the presence of vending machines, for instance, because they draw people. I'm not sure how a water fountain would fall into any such equation.

All told, if your residents would actively use a fountain, install it and care for it. If it truly would not be used for weeks at a time (winter excepted), then pass. The bacteria argument is hokey and flies in the face of all those water spigots you find at city parks everywhere that get broken, not repaired or turned off in cold weather.

PitA
Posts: 1,416

Posted:

The bacteria argument is hokey and flies in the face of all those water spigots you find at city parks everywhere that get broken, not repaired or turned off in cold weather.

Not at all hokey.

The 'City' will vigorously and lengthily flush each fountain at the spring 'start-up.

Very time consuming, another reason for the 'he's not doing anything' argument against municipal employees.

Why do you, personally, not wish to drink stagnant water?

Why would you, personally, want to drink the water in a sprinkler fire suppression system?

Even if it were only 3 weeks old!

BECAUSE, DOH, IT BECOMES STAGNANT

Now, if you REALLY want something to discuss; 'google' hospital faucet aerators.

ENJOY