Touchless Water Fountains to Decrease the Spread of Germs on UF Campus

In a continued effort to mitigate the spread of viruses and bacteria, the University is upgrading all campus drinking fountains to touchless water bottle filling stations.

Orion Jones, director of the University’s physical plant, explains by making each station have motion sensing, “bottle only” capabilities, individuals will not have to physically touch the fountain to operate it By making the fountains touchless and eliminating the function of the drinking mouthpiece, the number of germs spread through direct, physical contact is drastically decreased.

In regards to changes being made to the campus buildings and grounds, Jones says, “It matters. Everything we do, and all aspects of what we do matters, and COVID-19 is no different. Everything we can do to mitigate the spread of this virus matters. From additional sanitizing stations, to top of the line disinfecting equipment, to every mask, plexiglass, and individual responsibilities. It Matters.”

The Oiler Start Safe & Stay Safe sub-committee continues to meet regularly to determine areas that can be improved to ensure the health and safety of the campus community. For more information on the steps that are being taken to promote a healthy campus, visit the Oiler Start Safe & Stay Safe webpage.