Water in public spaces: technical and sanitary challenges of small-scale closed-circuit urban installation

Small-scale water architecture with closed-circuit systems has become an integral component of contemporary public spaces, contributing to their aesthetic quality, recreational value, and social attractiveness. Elements such as fountains, interactive water features, and ornamental basins are increasingly important in urban design strategies aimed at improving the quality of life in cities. However, alongside these benefits, closed-circuit water installations generate a range of technical and sanitary challenges that require careful consideration.

Water circulating in a closed system is continuously exposed to environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations, airborne pollutants, organic matter, and intense human interaction. These conditions significantly increase the risk of biological and chemical contamination, including the development of pathogenic microorganisms and the accumulation of harmful substances. In public spaces with unrestricted access, these risks are further intensified by direct user contact, particularly in interactive installations designed for play and recreation.

A major challenge in this context is the lack of clear, comprehensive legal regulations governing the design, operation, and maintenance of closed-circuit water features in public spaces. Existing standards are often fragmented, ambiguous, or adapted from swimming pool or drinking water regulations, which do not fully address the specific characteristics of small urban water installations. This regulatory gap complicates effective supervision, quality control, and responsibility allocation among stakeholders.

The analysis presented in this research highlights the urgent need to develop coherent guidelines that integrate technical, sanitary, and legal perspectives. Such guidelines should encompass system design, water treatment technologies, monitoring procedures, and operational practices. Only through an interdisciplinary, integrated approach can closed-circuit water installations operate safely, sustainably, and responsibly within the urban public realm.