4.15 Drinking Fountains and Water Coolers

Note: This document, portion of document or referenced document was published prior to the 2010 ADA Standards, and all or part of this information may only apply to Safe Harbored elements.

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(a) Spout Height and Knee Clearance: In addition to clearances discussed in the text, the following knee clearance is required underneath the fountain: 27 inches (685 mm) minimum from the floor to the underside of the fountain which extends 8 inches (205 mm) minimum measured from the front edge underneath the fountain back towards the wall; if a minimum 9 inches (230 mm) of toe clearance is provided, a maximum of 6 inches (150 mm) of the 48 inches (1220 mm) of clear floor space required at the fixture may extend into the toe space. (4.15.2, 4.15.5)

Fig. 27 Drinking Fountains and Water Coolers

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. On an accessible drinking fountain with a round or oval bowl, the spout must be positioned so the flow of water is within 3 in (75 mm) of the front edge of the fountain.

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.

In addition to clearances discussed in the text, the following knee clearance is required underneath the fountain: 27 inches (685 mm) minimum from the floor to the underside of the fountain which extends 8 inches (205 mm) minimum measured from the front edge underneath the fountain back towards the wall; if a minimum 9 inches (230 mm) of toe clearance is provided, a maximum of 6 inches (150 mm) of the 48 inches (1220 mm) of clear floor space required at the fixture may extend into the toe space. (4.15.2, 4.15.5)

Fig. 27 Drinking Fountains and Water Coolers

Plan diagram showing 30 inches x 48 inches minimum clear floor space at a drinking fountain or water cooler, positioned for forward approach and including knee/toe space.

Fig. 27 Drinking Fountains and Water Coolers

(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.

Plan diagram showing 30 inches by 48 inches minimum clear floor space, positioned for side approach at a free-standing fountain or cooler

Fig. 27 Drinking Fountains and Water Coolers

Plan diagram showing 30 inches by 48 inches minimum clear floor space, positioned for side approach at a built-in fountain or cooler

Fig. 27 Drinking Fountains and Water Coolers

[MORE INFO...]

*You must sign in to view [MORE INFO...]

Solutions

Documents

Resources

1991 ADA Standards for Accessible Design