In Serbia, 1.5 million people face temporary or permanent barriers to accessing clean water, and the country is increasingly impacted by climate change. This summer, Serbia experienced one of its longest and most intense heatwaves, with temperatures surpassing 40°C and posing serious public health risks. A practical and sustainable measure to address these issues is the installation of public water fountains, which provide free, clean drinking water, offer cooling relief, and help reduce plastic waste.
The campaign to promote public fountains began last summer with a community-driven effort to map existing fountains across Serbian cities. With enthusiastic support, data on 80 fountain locations were gathered nationwide. Building on this success, we launched an online initiative on our organization’s website this year, allowing citizens to easily submit requests to their local governments for the repair or installation of public fountains. Through this platform, users select their municipality, specify the type and location of the desired fountain, and optionally include additional details. The system then automates the legal process, forwarding requests directly to the appropriate institutions.
This initiative has proven effective in driving public engagement and enhancing institutional accountability. To date, numerous requests have been collected, reflecting strong community support for accessible and sustainable water sources.
The collected data will be analyzed in conjunction with variables such as age demographics, population density, and urban temperature profiles to create a detailed map and study exploring the link between public health and access to clean water. This comprehensive analysis will drive evidence-based policy recommendations focused on improving public health outcomes by expanding clean water access.
This effort forms part of a broader advocacy campaign led by Polekol and the Right to Water Initiative, whose long-term objective is institutional reform. Ultimately, the aim is to establish robust legal protections ensuring that all citizens in Serbia have the right to clean, accessible water.
Access to clean drinking water in public spaces is essential for safeguarding public health, especially as climate change intensifies. Without readily available public fountains, the fundamental right to water and the effectiveness of the public health system are at risk. As extreme heat increasingly impacts vulnerable populations—such as the elderly, children, and individuals with chronic conditions—addressing this issue becomes even more critical. Urgent action and societal commitment are necessary to ensure clean water access, reduce the health risks posed by climate change, and protect the well-being of all citizens.