One in three Copenhagen fountains dry after staff resignations

Copenhageners and tourists seeking a refreshing dip in public fountains this summer may be disappointed, as more than every third fountain in the city is currently dry. This widespread shutdown is attributed to the resignation of two key employees responsible for the fountains' operation and maintenance.

The issue stems from the specialized nature of maintaining the city's fountains, which are described as technically complex installations. According to a note from the Technical and Environmental Administration of Copenhagen Municipality, the operation requires in-depth knowledge of each specific system. The administration's area manager, Mette Baungaard, expressed regret over the situation, acknowledging that many residents and visitors miss the cooling fountains during the summer heat.

Out of the municipality's 40 fountains, 14 are currently out of service. These include fountains at prominent locations such as Axel Torv, Israels Plads, and Superkilen. The work on these fountains is considered specialized, and for safety reasons, it requires two employees working together, particularly when accessing underground technical rooms.

The municipality is actively working to resolve the problem by hiring and training new specialized personnel. The regular operating season for Copenhagen's fountains typically runs from early April to autumn. Until new staff are fully trained and operational, many of the city's beloved fountains will remain inaccessible, impacting the summer experience for many.