I have found that one of my favorite characteristics of Rome are the water fountains. I don’t mean the big and beautiful Trevi fountain, but rather the thousands of free drinking fountains that line the streets. These fountains are called Nasonis and have continuously running water. The water comes from the mountains above the cities and is the same water that flows to the households in Rome ensuring freshness. When I first saw these, I was curious how they do not waste water since they run 24/7. I recently learned that any unused water is recycled and used for non-drinking purposes. The continuous flow of water also prevents stagnation and bacteria. These water fountains save a lot of plastic allowing residents and visitors to refill water bottles rather than buying new ones. I miss them as I travel to other places and go through five plastic water bottles in a day, which is not only a waste but also becomes expensive. There are so many of these fountains, making them easy to find, but you can also search in maps “drinking fountains” and the locations of all of them will pop up. I have realized that free drinking water that is so easily accessible is something that is pretty unique to Rome and it makes me curious why more cities don’t implement this system.
These water fountains have not only made me more aware to small differences between the United States and Rome, but also between Rome and the other places I visit abroad. I was shocked that Florence and other cities within Italy didn’t also have these fountains. The drinking fountains also show the importance of architecture in Rome as many of the fountains are unique and beautifully designed. Some are made of iron or simple stone, but others are made of marble with intricate designs of lions, dragons, or other animals. These fountains provide so many benefits to the Roman community of tourists, residents, homeless, and even local animals.