Water Fountain? Drinking Fountain? Bubbler? Whatever you call it, we can all agree some are better than others. 

Somebody recently gifted me an Owala water bottle and it has been life-changing… no more plastic water bottles for me! This year, one of my New Year’s resolutions has been to cut down on my use of plastic, and with that, I have discovered more and more water fountains around campus. However, not every water fountain has water that tastes the same. In fact, a lot of them have a bad aftertaste or even smell a little. Additionally, I found that automated water fountains can’t tell when metal water bottles are full, so most of the time you have to fill it twice. In other words, don’t trust the number of  “Bottles Saved” for each fountain. Here is a ranking of water fountains around Barnard. 

10. 1st Floor Diana: This one scared me! It’s located all the way in the back by the orange chairs. Just like the rest of the water fountains in Diana, it has a little spout but this fountain was a little rusty. It smelled and tasted like metal… no thank you!

9. Bottom Floor Milstein: This water fountain also scares me! Not so much for the taste, which does taste a little off, but because it is not only right outside of the bathroom but also right outside of the Barnard trash disposal room. This area smells bad… I don’t want it near my water. 

8. 1st/2nd/3rd/4th Floor Milstein: I find that all the water fountains in the library have an aftertaste. 

7. Bottom Floor Diana: Located by the bathrooms this one also has a metal aftertaste but the vibes are good down there with all the comfortable seats. 

6. 3rd Floor Barnard Hall: Finally water with no aftertaste! But something about this water seemed off, almost like it was thicker. Also, why was this water warm? However, bonus points because this fountain keeps filling the water bottle until you move it, so watch out for the overflow. 

5. 3rd Floor Diana:​​ Although this water does have an aftertaste, it was nice and cold. 

4. 4th Floor Milbank: This water came out cold and fast. No aftertaste at all! But it’s a bit of a hike. 

3. Outside LeFrak Locker Room: This has been my go-to spot! Perhaps because it’s newer there’s no aftertaste? But I have a love-hate relationship with this fountain. The water is my favorite but it takes two minutes to fill up an Owala. Also, you have to keep filling the bottle four times before it’s finally filled.  

2. Barnard Fitness Center: Same issue as above but not as bad… maybe two refills. The water is cold and tastes good (I’m sorry to those who can’t get in). 

1. 1st Floor Milbank: Best fountain on campus! Most accessible to everyone, quick to fill up a water bottle, cold, and no aftertaste. 

There are plenty of more water fountains on campus (including the dorms) however these were the most notable.

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