Питьевая вода в фонтане
Питьевая вода в фонтане

Munich Expands Public Amenities with New Drinking Fountains and Toilets Across the City

The City of Munich has recently unveiled a new public drinking fountain at St.-Pauls-Platz and a state-of-the-art restroom facility at Theresienwiese, as part of a broader municipal initiative aimed at enhancing public spaces and comfort.

Additional facilities are planned throughout the year.

Inauguration Held on April 28

On Monday, April 28, Mayor Dieter Reiter, Building Officer Jeanne-Marie Ehbauer, and Economic Affairs Officer Christian Scharpf jointly inaugurated the new installations. According to city officials, more locations will be added by the end of the year, bringing the total number of public drinking stations in Munich to nearly 100.

Improved Convenience for Locals and Tourists

At the event, Economic Affairs Officer Scharpf highlighted the dual role of Theresienwiese—not only as a venue for festivals but also as a popular space for leisure, social gatherings, and outdoor activities. The new drinking fountain at St.-Pauls-Platz, along with the nearby restroom, is intended to increase convenience and public accessibility in the area.

Mayor Reiter emphasized the ongoing expansion of the city’s infrastructure for water access and sanitary facilities. Munich now features over 90 public drinking fountains, primarily installed in high-traffic areas and city parks. This number is expected to grow further within the year.

New Installations in Additional Districts

The city plans to install four more drinking fountains and four wall-mounted dispensers on the exteriors of public restrooms by year-end. Targeted locations include Hogenbergplatz, Arnulfpark, Bajuwarenpark, and the green space along Wilramstraße.

All drinking fountains are marked with a sign that includes a QR code, allowing residents to report issues directly to the building authority. Maintenance is conducted twice a week, including cleaning, inspections, and repairs. The water quality is monitored closely through regular testing.

From 15 to Nearly 100 Drinking Fountains in Just a Few Years

Building Officer Ehbauer noted a sharp rise in the number of public water dispensers in Munich—from just 15 a few years ago to nearly 100 by the end of this year. In addition to the new fountain at St.-Pauls-Platz, ten more water stations will become operational in early May at key locations such as Münchner Freiheit, Rotkreuzplatz, Rosenkavalierplatz, Laimer Anger, and the Olympia Shopping Center. Mayor Reiter reiterated his aim to reach the 100-fountain milestone this year.

Public Toilets Network Also Growing

In parallel with the expansion of drinking fountains, the city continues to extend its network of public restrooms. The selection of new locations is based on a needs assessment linked to a city council decision from December 2019. Since then, 17 new public toilet facilities have been constructed, with four more planned by the end of 2025.

All new installations are designed to be barrier-free and family-friendly, featuring foldable changing tables, wheelchair-accessible sinks, soap dispensers, hand dryers, shelf space, and emergency call systems.

Enhanced Accessibility at Theresienwiese

The new restroom at Theresienwiese includes a specially designed cabin for people with disabilities and their companions. The self-cleaning toilets are maintained by an external operator and are open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. year-round. Usage is free of charge.

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Daniel Tat