Question 1

Why can’t I find most fountains on Google Maps?

Accepted Answer

The Berliner Wasserbetriebe (BWB), the company that installs the fountains, only lists them on their own website. They do not integrate the locations with Google Maps. Instead, they provide a downloadable .kml file with all fountain coordinates.

We’ve made it easier for you by turning that data into a Google Maps layer you can add directly to your phone. We also included other public water sources such as libraries, open public schools, and more.

For even more refill points, check out Refill Berlin, which lists businesses and organizations participating in their program.

Question 2

How does water map work?

Accepted Answer

We’ve taken the BWB data and other sources and created a map you can add to your Google Maps app as an extra layer. This way, you can see all known public water points right in your regular map view.

Question 3

How do I add this map to my Google Maps app?

Accepted Answer

Visit our map page, tap the download button, and the new layer will be added to your Google Maps app. You can remove it anytime.

Question 4

Can I suggest a new location for the map?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Just write to us at the address listed in the footer.

Question 5

What areas are you focusing on first?

Accepted Answer

We are starting with underserved districts outside the busy city center, beginning in Pankow and Lichtenberg.

Question 6

Who decides where new drinking fountains are installed?

Accepted Answer

The Berlin Senate (Senatsverwaltung) decides that together with the Berliner Wasserbetriebe and local district authorities.

Question 7

Who funds the installation and maintenance of fountains?

Accepted Answer

The Berlin Senate funds both the installation and maintenance, and the Berliner Wasserbetriebe manages the work.

Question 8

How much does it cost to install and maintain a fountain?

Accepted Answer

Installing one fountain costs around €12,000–15,000. Maintenance, including water testing, costs about €3,700 per year.

Question 9

Are the fountains safe to drink from?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Water from each fountain is tested every 4 weeks to ensure it meets safety standards.

Question 10

Why do fountains run water constantly? Isn’t that wasteful?

Accepted Answer

The constant flow prevents water from standing in the pipes, which reduces the risk of bacterial growth. The drained water is used to water trees in some locations.

Question 11

When are the fountains operational during the year?

Accepted Answer

They operate from May to October each year to avoid freezing in winter.

Question 12

What data does the drinking fountain database include?

Accepted Answer

We analyzed BVV archives to identify documented inquiries (Anfragen) related to drinking fountains. In addition, we requested documents through local district representatives. Based on the materials we found, we compiled a database of fountain locations and attached links to the original official documents for each entry. The database will be continuously expanded as new parliamentary inquiries and additional data become available.

Question 13

How can I hide or show water sources in Google Maps?

Accepted Answer

If you don’t want to see water sources from the custom map in the Google Maps app, tap “You” at the bottom of the screen, scroll all the way down, and select “Maps.” Then tap the name of the map and choose “Close” to hide the water sources. This will temporarily remove the map from your view.

You can learn more on the official Google support page.

Question 14

Where did you get the data for the map?

Accepted Answer

The complete list of drinking fountains comes from Berliner Wasserbetriebe (BWB), other refill spots from Refill Germany, the list of Volkshochschulen (VHS) from the official City of Berlin website, and the list of libraries is from the Verbund der Öffentlichen Bibliotheken Berlins website.

Question 15

How can I help support your initiative?

Accepted Answer

Spread the word about our map - let your friends know about it or share it through your channels. Feel free to contact us to get stickers and flyers if you’d like to get more involved. We are happy to hear about other projects to collaborate with or get in touch with local authorities.

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