With the onset of colder weather, the gradual wintering of free-access drinking water filling points or freecocks has begun in Riga. On 15 October, the fountains under the supervision of the municipal company ‘Rīgas meži’ are scheduled to be shut down, the wintering of which will continue until 19 October. This marks the end of this year's fountain season, which lasted about half a year.
Gradually shut off the free faucets
SIA Rīgas ūdens has already started preparing the city’s free-cocks for the winter season. On Monday, October 12, the water supply was closed for free cranes at Ķengarags promenade near Latgales Street 262, Višķi Square, Sila Street 4, Plavnieki near Andreja Saharova Street 30, Andreja Saharova Street 35, Latgale Park near Balvu Street 13 and Ēbelmuiža Park.
On Tuesday, October 13, it is planned to close five more free cranes – Lielvārdes Street 68 k-1, Zemitāna Square, Šmerļa Street 5 at the entrance to the forest, Raiskuma Street 3 and Čiekurkalna Cross Line 4.
Freecocks for the winter season are prepared gradually to protect water supply systems from frost-induced damage.
The development of open-access drinking water refuelling sites in Riga began in 2022. The free cranes are designed for both drinking and refilling the water bottle and are also accessible to wheelchair users and animals. They are supplied with urban tap water. A total of more than 60 freecloths are located in Riga.
Fountain season also ends
On Thursday, 15 October, the Riga fountains under the supervision of SIA “Rīgas meži” are scheduled to be disconnected. Their technical wintering will take place gradually from 15 to 19 October. Also in previous years, the fountain season in Riga ended in mid-October.
The municipality of Riga supervises 14 fountains, ten stationary and four floating ones, the management of which has been entrusted to Rīgas meži.
This year, the fountain season has lasted about six months. During it, fountains and reservoirs located in closed or so-called paddling basins were regularly cleaned, as well as their condition and water quality were monitored. Employees of "Rīgas meži" also reacted to citizens' reports of possible pollution.
During the summer season, the Riga Fountain is not only an important element of the urban environment, but also a popular place for recreation and refreshment on hot days. Among the best known are the ‘Seasons’ fountain in Vērmanes garden, ‘Nimfa’ near the Latvian National Opera, the Bastejkalns cascade, fountains on the Esplanade and near the House of Congresses, and floating fountains in the City Canal.
Information prepared by: Mārtiņš Vilemsons, Project Coordinator, External Communication Division, Riga City Council, e-mail: martins.vilemsons@riga.lv.