The drinking fountain in Bad Herrenalb’s Kurpark, originally installed in 2017 for the Garden Show and supplied by the Dobeltal spring, has long been a cherished feature for residents and visitors alike. Providing fresh, healthy drinking water, the fountain serves as both a practical amenity and a social gathering point. However, in late October 2022, the fountain faced multiple setbacks, including its scheduled seasonal shutdown and subsequent vandalism.

Challenges

1. Seasonal Shutdown:
   The fountain was turned off in October 2022 as part of routine maintenance to protect its frost-sensitive components during winter.
2. Vandalism:
   Shortly after the shutdown, the fountain was defaced with paint, necessitating a significant restoration effort.

Solution Implementation

1. Repainting and Redesign:
   Stefan Nofer, Watermaster of Stadtwerke Bad Herrenalb, spearheaded the restoration effort. After consultation with the city administration, the decision was made to repaint the fountain in a new color—blue—to refresh its appearance and symbolize renewal. The repainting was completed by a professional painting company in late July and early August 2023.
2. System Restoration:
   Following the repainting, the frost-sensitive components were reinstalled, and the water system underwent thorough flushing and testing. Water samples were collected, analyzed in accordance with safety standards, and submitted for approval.
3. Testing and Approval:
   Laboratory tests confirmed that the water met all regulatory requirements for quality and safety.

Outcome

The fountain was officially reopened on August 21, 2023. Speaking about the reopening, Stefan Nofer expressed his enthusiasm:

“We are delighted that the drinking fountain in the Kurpark is once again accessible to everyone. It is a popular meeting place for locals and guests and provides an opportunity to refresh with fresh, healthy drinking water.”

Benefits

1. Restored Utility: The fountain resumed its role as a source of clean drinking water for visitors to the Kurpark.
2. Community Engagement: The vibrant blue redesign revitalized the space and reinforced the fountain’s importance as a community hub.
3. Sustainability: By maintaining and restoring the fountain, the city upheld its commitment to providing eco-friendly amenities.

Conclusion

The restoration and reopening of the drinking fountain in Bad Herrenalb Kurpark exemplify the value of community-oriented projects and sustainable urban amenities. Despite setbacks, the collaboration between Stadtwerke Bad Herrenalb and the city administration ensured the fountain’s successful return, reaffirming its role as a cherished feature of the Kurpark for years to come.