Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS)

4.15 DRINKING FOUNTAINS AND WATER COOLERS.

4.15.1 MINIMUM NUMBER.

Drinking fountains or water coolers required to be accessible by 4.1 shall comply with 4.15.

4.15.2* SPOUT HEIGHT.

Spouts shall be no higher than 36 in (915 mm), measured from the floor or ground surfaces to the spout outlet (see Fig. 27(a)).

Figure 27

Drinking Fountains and Water Coolers

Note: equipment permitted in shaded area.

Figure 27(a)

Spout Height and Knee Clearance

Figure 27(b)

Clear Floor Space

Figure 27(c)

Free-standing Fountain or Cooler

Figure 27(d)

Built-in Fountain or Cooler

4.15.3 SPOUT LOCATION.

The spouts of drinking fountains and water coolers shall be at the front of the unit and shall direct the water flow in a trajectory that is parallel or nearly parallel to the front of the unit. The spout shall provide a flow of water at least 4 in (100 mm) high so as to allow the insertion of a cup or glass under the flow of water.

4.15.4 CONTROLS.

Controls shall comply with 4.27.4. Unit controls shall be front mounted or side mounted near the front edge.

4.15.5 CLEARANCES.

(1) Wall- and post-mounted cantilevered units shall have a clear knee space between the bottom of the apron and the floor or ground at least 27 in (685 mm) high, 30 in (760 mm) wide, and 17 in to 19 in (430 mm to 485 mm) deep (see Fig. 27(a) and (b)). Such units shall also have a minimum clear floor space 30 in by 48 in (760 mm by 1220 mm) to allow a person in a wheelchair to approach the unit facing forward.

(2) Free standing or built-in units not having a clear space under them shall have a clear floor space at least 30 in by 48 in (760 mm by 1220 mm) that allows a person in a wheelchair to make a parallel approach to the unit (see Fig. 27(c) and (d)). This clear floor space shall comply with 4.2.4.