Is it safe to drink from a public drinking fountain?
Yes, usually. However, you may want to consider running the fountain for a minute before drinking, especially if the tank is older. Since older tanks sometimes contain lead, there is a possibility that this substance could creep into the water. Letting the water run minimizes any risk of lead that could infiltrate the system. Interestingly, the United States Congress passed two laws in 1986 and 1988 banning use of lead in piping and storage tanks, and thankfully the situation has improved.
