Free drinking water in central London

A drinking fountain has been restored and is now open to the public in the middle of one of the capital's biggest tourist attractions.


Visitors to Trafalgar Square can now drink from a fountain originally installed in 1960 by the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain Association.

The granite and brass water fountain on the east side of Trafalgar Square has been restored to full working order, retaining its original features with brand new water pipes.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson’s is behind the idea and he promises that following water safety tests the fountain is safe to use.

Mr Johnson, who also said the fountain will be cleaned and inspected on a daily basis, says the opening is ‘fantastic news’.

He said: “Many old drinking fountains lie dormant and I hope this newly restored feature helps to untap a new trend in civic planning.

“We will be working to encourage this through our own programmes to improve London’s public spaces.”

The Mayor is exploring further ways to introduce drinking fountains where feasible across London including through Greater London Authority group programmes designed to improve public spaces.

Amongst the sites already earmarked is a second drinking fountain on the west side of Trafalgar Square, which is being considered for reopening.

Luke Walsh

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