Have you ever wondered how do water fountains work? Discover the science behind these popular fixtures and learn about some of the different types of fountains. You might be surprised at how much work goes into keeping water flowing and how water fountains get water!
1. How do Water Fountains Get Water?
Operating a water fountain is relatively straightforward. A basin is filled with continuously running or tap-accessible water and angled downward so the user can easily bend down to access the stream of water.
Modern drinking fountains may incorporate filters to physically remove impurities and reduce contaminants and chillers to maintain a cooler temperature to ensure the highest quality of drinking water. Drinking fountains remain an effective device in providing users with clean, fresh drinking water in many facilities across the globe. (See What is the Purest Form of Water?)
2. Where does the Water Come from in a Fountain?
Fountains are a fascinating piece of mechanical engineering, allowing us to enjoy the beauty of flowing water without the need for direct sources. The water source is the fountain basin, which is stored after each cycle. From there, a small compressor, a fountain pump, draws in the water and propels it through a nozzle at high pressure. This creates the jetting stream of water rising up from the surface before it cascades majestically back into its source.
3. How do Water Fountains Work?
To understand how do water fountains work, you need to understand that there are different types of water fountains, but the most common type is the kind that has a basin at the bottom and a spout in the middle. The basin is filled with water, and pushing on the spout causes a pressure change that forces the water up through the spout. There are also pressure-activated fountains, which work similarly but use pressure sensors to detect when someone is standing under the spout. And finally, there are electronic fountains activated by buttons or switches. Must read How much does a Backyard Lazy River cost?
4. How does Water Circulate in Fountain?
The water is propelled to the top of the fountain by a submersible pump, which works by electric power contained within. This pump propels the water from below and through the reservoir, feeding it up and into tubing that runs up the back of the fountain.
The motion of this water activates an impeller within the pump, which serves as a spinning magnet driven by electricity to propel the water’s circulation further until it reaches its destination at the head of the fountain. Finally, upon exiting the tubing at its destination, this spinning motion gives way to cascading streams that are sent over the wide surface of a flat wall fountain for a mesmerizing effect.
5. Does a Water Fountain Need Electricity?
The answer is yes. So, how do water fountains work? Most water fountains require some energy to operate, but the amount is typically relatively small. A modern fountain typically uses around the same energy as a standard lamp or lightbulb and should not have an undue impact on your monthly electricity bill. The decision to install a fountain should depend on how important you consider aesthetics when considering your home’s landscape. (Also read What is a Bad Conductor of Electricity?)
6. How do Fountains Work Without Electricity?
You might be surprised to learn that some fountains work without electricity, instead running off of solely the force of gravity. So, how do water fountains work without electricity? In older forts, water lifting systems were used to draw water up from rivers below and channel it through the fort or palace area by creating necessary slopes.
These systems also had enough level difference at certain places so that when the water was released, it created a fountain effect with gentle or dramatic sprays and delightful chimes from the cascading stream. Indeed, these ancient structures ingeniously utilized a basic physics principle to generate beautiful, calming effects without requiring any electricity.
7. How can You Pump Water Without Electricity?
The spiral pump works by using the motion of a wheel to collect and redirect water from one location to another. The wheel is spun by connecting it to either a hydraulic ram or an animal, where the pumping action occurs due to centrifugal force. This method of sustainable water delivery has become increasingly popular in rural areas where electricity is scarce or non-existent, as well as in parts of the world where access to energy is compromised.
Many communities have seen great success with these pumps, providing a clean and efficient way of collecting water without relying on external sources. When combined with renewable energies such as wind or solar power, pumping water without electricity can be an affordable and environmentally friendly option.
8. Do Fountains Waste Water?
Yes, they do waste water. With outdoor water fountains losing so much water through evaporation and the fact that they can waste over 300 gallons an hour unless they are set up to recirculate, it’s worth looking into water-saving options such as rainwater collection systems or using stored groundwater reserves. This can reduce dependency on treated supplies from local municipal sources and help save money in the long run.
9. Do Water Fountains Recycle Water?
Yes, water fountains recycle water through a continuous cycling process, utilizing the water in the reservoir rather than pulling it from outside sources. While the fountain continues to operate with existing water, replenishment is necessary due to evaporation that occurs as said water is channeled around pipes and released through jets. The need to maintain the desired level of water in a fountain’s reservoir ensures its consistent operation.
Water fountains are a great source of refreshing water, but have you ever wondered how do water fountains work? The next time you take a sip from a water fountain, think about the journey of the water to the water fountain. (Also read What are Bad Effects of Water Cycle on Living Things?)
