Phoenix plans to add more outdoor chilled water fountains

One year after launching a pilot program offering chilled water to the public, Phoenix is planning an expansion.

During the first year, three fountains in downtown Phoenix dispensed 14,000 gallons of water.

“And to help visualize just how much water this is, it would be equivalent to over 106,000 standard single-use plastic water bottles,” said Danielle Vermeer, project leader.

She recently told council members the water’s temperature runs between 65 and 73 degrees.

“And we do still consider that 73 degrees Fahrenheit to be chilled because when we compare it to how hot the water comes out of the units without the chiller operating, we can see temperatures upwards of 103 degrees Fahrenheit,” Vermeer said.

Michael Hammett, director of the city’s office of innovation, said Downtown Phoenix Inc has been a critical partner.

“And I can't overstate it in terms of the maintenance of this and that feeling that it was something for everyone and that it would be monitored and well-maintained," Hammett said.

Christina Estes/KJZZ

Six more fountains are in the works: Two located downtown, two at Desert West Park in Maryvale and one near 71st Avenue and Van Buren where there is a shelter and navigation center, offering services to people experiencing homelessness.

“What we found was that community wanted these near public amenities, near public buildings, open spaces and parks, and really transit, so transit where they're walking, biking, and also connecting to public transportation and our rideshare apps,” Hammett said.

He said grants are helping pay for the fountains, including from the Arizona Community Foundation and a $154,000 grant from the Gila River Indian Community.