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OBC DIVISION B · PART 3 · SECTION 3.7 — HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Are drinking fountains required by the Ontario Building Code?

Yes, in certain occupancies. Where washrooms and plumbing facilities are required, the Code calls for drinking fountains in prescribed cases, and accessible units must meet barrier-free requirements for spout height, controls and clear floor space under Section 3.8.

Code reference
The plumbing facilities provisions require drinking fountains to be provided in prescribed occupancies and quantities as part of the required sanitary facilities for a building. Fountains serving a barrier-free path of travel must be usable by persons in wheelchairs, with appropriate spout location, hand- or automatically-operated controls and clear approach space.
OBC Division B, Subsection 3.7.4.

Paraphrased for clarity — open this provision in the BUILDAiD Library for the exact wording.

What this means in practice

Drinking fountains are easy to overlook until a plans examiner asks where they are, especially in schools, arenas, offices and assembly buildings. Locate at least one accessible unit on the barrier-free path, typically a dual-height or hi-lo pair, and coordinate the alcove so the fountain does not project into the required path of travel as a protruding object. Bottle-filling stations are popular additions but confirm with the authority having jurisdiction whether they satisfy the fountain requirement alone.

Plain language

Many public buildings in Ontario, like schools, offices and arenas, must include drinking fountains, and at least one has to work for someone using a wheelchair. That is why you often see paired high and low fountains in hallways.

Related questions

How many washroom fixtures does a building need under the Ontario Building Code?When is a universal washroom required in an Ontario building?What are the medical gas piping requirements in the Ontario Building Code?

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This page is provided for general information. Building code requirements depend on your specific project, occupancy and municipality, and code editions change. Always verify requirements against the current Ontario Building Code and confirm with your local building department.