Office of Innovation Installs “Smart,” Chilled Drinking Water Station at Burton Barr Central Library

The City of Phoenix Office of Innovation has installed its 12th smart, chilled drinking fountain and bottle‑filling station, at Burton Barr Central Library, expanding its growing network. These fountains are designed to make chilled drinking water more accessible to the public.

“We are using data, community participation, strategic partnerships and smart technologies to reimagine a public drinking fountain that everyone will want to use,” said Michael Hammett, director of the Office of Innovation and Performance. “This partnership with Phoenix Public Library is a cool addition to our arts district that will provide real‑time data as we expand to other locations.”

This expansion was made possible through $254,000 in funding from a Gila River Indian Community Grant (GRIC), supporting Phoenix's efforts to expand access to chilled drinking water in areas of the City where residents and visitors need it most. Location selections are data-driven resulting in several fountain locations being identified that have proximity to public transportation, communal locations such as parks and libraries, areas with the highest 911 calls related to heat, and more. Of the 1,107 responses to a recent City of Phoenix survey, 81 percent consider public water fountains and bottle-filling stations as important. 

“Phoenix Public Library is committed to serving as an essential public resource that addresses the needs of the community. By providing reliable access to cold, clean drinking water, the library promotes the health and well-being of all visitors.” said Erin MacFarlane, Phoenix Public Library Services Director, “The addition of a chilled drinking fountain at Burton Barr Central Library not only helps reduce environmental waste, it also enhances the library’s welcoming environment where community members can access valuable resources.” 

To help residents easily find nearby stations, the City offers an interactive GIS story map showing all current locations and those coming soon. Each unit is equipped with a NOWi remote water monitoring system, enabling real‑time tracking of performance, leak detection, and overall water usage. All units are monitored through a central dashboard, ensuring they remain clean, functional, and strategically placed where demand is highest.

Every custom‑designed Murdock unit reflects direct input from the community it serves. Features include water filtration, regular cleaning schedules, and smart purge systems that prevent water from warming in the lines—ensuring every bottle filled is filtered and refreshingly cold.

To date, the 12 stations already in service have provided the equivalent of nearly 300,000 single‑use plastic water bottles—without the single-use plastic waste. Four additional stations are currently in various stages of installation, extending the impact even further.

Key partners in this initiative include Downtown Phoenix Inc. and HandsOn Greater Phoenix, whose collaboration has been essential in bringing these resources to neighborhoods across the city. To find a chilled drinking water fountain near you, visit phoenix.gov/innovation.