 Water Bottle Shortly after I arrived in Kuwait I noticed that there were public drinking water “stations” located in many places–even in front of private homes. Patrick Padilla, one of my work colleagues here explained that these stations are essentially the equivalent of a public water fountain that we would see back in North America and that these devices can often be seen in communities throughout this part of the Gulf Region. Their design varies widely and they are easy to spot because they are all about 6 feet tall, or higher. Some even have stainless steel cups attached to them on a short chain, so if the passer-by does not have a container they can still enjoy a drink. |
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Here are a few photos that I have taken of some of them in public parks and on side streets here in Kuwait. The stations are connected to the local water supply system so they work off water pressure and never have to be refilled. |
 Bowl and Cup  Front Door/Gatehouse |
| There are also many located in front of private homes. The ones in front of private homes might be placed there by the City or they could be installed by the homeowner. Apparently this is a custom that some people observe, just like we would put a ornamental piece of sculpture in front of our homes.The original design of these stations was very utilitarian and not very attractive. Then somebody got the idea of making them much more interesting looking. |
 One of the Originals  Circular Tower |
| Being involved in the water business, I especially like the mini water tower (first photo with the blue & white stripes). Kuwait has full size water towers of this design at several locations throughout the city. The full size towers are clustered in groups of 4 or 5 and look really neat–especially at night when they are lit up. |
 Kuwait Water Tower  Full Size Water Towers |
| I have seen about 10 different designs here in Kuwait. I’d like to take more photos but several are directly in front of people’s homes and I do not want to be perceived as intruding on their privacy. Every time I spot a “new” design I coax my colleagues to stop and let me grab a photo. Below right are my CH2M HILL work colleagues Harry Morrow and Darren Montgomery at a water station near the grocery store that’s close to our hotel. |
 Water Jug  Harry & Darren Pause For A Drink |
| It’s wonderful that people would install these and share their water with the public, especially in a country where the weather can get really, really hot. If you are out walking, a cool drink along the way is a nice thing to have. |
 Kuwait Communications Tower  The Real Thing |
| The water stations are made out of fiberglass and many of them are inspired by actual buildings in Kuwait. So Catherine, do you think that one of these would look good in front of our home in London, Ontario? I’m “game” if you are 🙂 It certainly would be unique. |
Hello! I came across your blog by mistake. I am from Kuwait and here’s a bit you did not mention in your entry: most of these public drinking stations were made in honor of a family’s loved one who passed away. Usually, when a loved one passes away, in Islam, you do something for their sake or for their behalf so they get “brownie points” (or in Arabic, “thawab”) in the after life. Apart from building public drinking stations to benefit whoever is thirsty, people also:
1- Build mosques in the name of the deceased person
2- Contribute in non-profit organizations in the name of the deceased
3- Make donations for the building of hospitals in disadvantaged countries in the name of the deceased
4- Give charity in the name of the deceased
5- If the deceased hasn’t gone to Hajj in his/her lifetime, you can make the pilgrimage on his/her behalf
…and other good deeds and acts!