Table 6.11 – Drinking Fountains

Current Guidelines:  
4.1.3  Accessible Buildings:  New Construction.  Accessible buildings and facilities shall meet the following minimum requirements: . . . 

(10)  Drinking Fountains.

(a)  Where only one drinking fountain is provided on a floor there shall be a drinking fountain that is accessible to individuals who use wheelchairs in accordance with 4.15 and one accessible to those who have difficulty bending or stooping. . . .

(b)  Where more than one drinking fountain or water cooler is provided on a floor, 50 percent of those provided 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)).

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.
Exception:  These clearances shall not be required at units used primarily by children ages 12 and younger where clear floor space for a parallel approach complying with 4.2.4 is provided and where the spout is no higher than 30 in (760 mm), measured from the floor or ground surface to the spout outlet.

(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.

Final Revised Guidelines:  
211.1 General.  Where drinking fountains are provided on an exterior site, on a floor, or within a secured area they shall be provided in accordance with 211. . . .

211.2 Minimum Number.  No fewer than two drinking fountains shall be provided.  One drinking fountain shall comply with 602.1 through 602.6 and one drinking fountain shall comply with 602.7.
Exception:  Where a single drinking fountain complies with 602.1 through 602.6 and 602.7, it shall be permitted to be substituted for two separate drinking fountains.

211.3 More Than Minimum Number.  Where more than the minimum number of drinking fountains specified in 211.2 are provided, 50 percent of the total number of drinking fountains provided shall comply with 602.1 through 602.6, and 50 percent of the total number of drinking fountains provided shall comply with 602.7.
Exception:  Where 50 percent of the drinking fountains yields a fraction, 50 percent shall be permitted to be rounded up or down provided that the total number of drinking fountains complying with 211 equals 100 percent of drinking fountains.

602.2 Clear Floor Space.  Units shall have a clear floor or ground clearance complying with 305 positioned for a forward approach and centered on the unit.  Knee and toe clearance complying with 306 shall be provided.
Exception:  A parallel approach complying with 305 shall be permitted at units for children's use where the spout is 30 inches (760 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground and is 3½ inches (90 mm) maximum from the front edge of the unit, including bumpers.

602.4  Spout Height.  Spout outlets shall be 36 inches (915 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground.

602.7 Drinking Fountains for Standing Persons.  Spout outlets for drinking fountains for standing persons shall be 38 inches (965 mm) minimum and 43 inches (1090 m) maximum above the finish floor or ground.

Model Codes & Standards
IBC 2000:  Section 1108.5 has a similar requirement for the number of accessible drinking fountains. 

IBC 2003:  Section 1109.5 has a similar requirement for the number of accessible drinking fountains. 

ICC/ANSI A117.1-1998:  Section 602.2 has a similar requirement for clear floor space at drinking fountains.