BUBBLE FOUNTAINS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 4472, 13 February 1917, Page 7

BUBBLE FOUNTAINS.

UPRIGHT JET HARBOURS GERMS In view of tlie recent suggestion that a bubble fountain should be established in connection with the Sievwright Memorial in Peel Street, the following result of a bacteriological test of the “bubble” of these fountains is interesting. The idea of the bubble fountains which are freely used in America and Australia, is to do away with the drinking-cup and other touching of metal with the lips. The “bubble” of water is easy to tlrink from, and it is tlnig more hygienic than the cup. But it is not entirely innocuous. It was suggested by the University of Wisconsin some time ago that a bubble fountain had been an agent for infecting a whole dormitory with, tonsilitis. In the Journal of the American Medical Association it was stated that the circumstances of an epidemic of streptococcus tonsilitis, two years ago, in one of the dormitories of the university of AVisconsin, unexpectedly directed, suspicion to the bubble fountain in the building. Bacteriological investigation showed that these fountans may become a factor in transmitting disease. The facts deduced were surprising, it being proved that bacteria remained suspended in the upright jet of water for from two to 135 minutes, depending on the height of tlie bubble. But even when this was raised to the unheard-of height of four inches, the germs were still discovered in suspension. It was found, however, that by inclining the jet at ail angle of 50 "degrees, the germs were carried away with the water, and later showed that 15 degrees, with an adjustable collar guard, was sufficient inclination of the bubble to ensure a. complete dispersion of the germs.