Leipzigers love to use their fountains. The Opernbrunnen is one of these fountains. Some people even take off their shoes and wade through the cool water. Children like to splash around in the fountain.
The Opernbrunnen adds to Leipzig’s cityscape. It enhances the public space. The city wants public spaces to be usable by all Leipzigers. For decades children have played in and around fountains. Adults do it too. The city knows about the risks such as poor water quality and slippery surfaces.
The city points out the bathing ban for fountains every year. But signs indicating this are missing. Officials do not want to punish children and parents for going barefoot in the fountains.
The city says the fountains are not for bathing. They are only meant to beautify the city. They also have a cooling effect on the microclimate. The sound of the water has a calming effect. Leipzig has many public pools and lakes for swimming.
The city says allowing bathing in fountains would create a legal precedent. It would imply the city ensures the fountains are safe for bathing. Fountains lack safety features of public pools. These include non-slip surfaces and a lack of sharp edges. The water quality does not meet hygiene standards for bathing.
The Opernbrunnen water contains additives against calcification. It also keeps the pH level balanced. The water is part of a circulation system without much fresh water. This makes it unsuitable for bathing.
Leipzig’s police ordinance forbids polluting the fountains. Improper use when entering the fountain is prohibited. Damage to the fountain is possible. Therefore the city does not recommend designating city fountains as bathing fountains.
Pirate party politician Ute Elisabeth Gabelmann once suggested turning the Opernbrunnen into an official bathing fountain. Other suggestions were the fountain in front of the Ring-Café and the Pusteblumen fountain. The city rejected this proposal.
Bathing in the Opernbrunnen is not officially allowed. But it is tolerated. So enjoy the Opernbrunnen. Admire its beauty but maybe think twice before taking a dip.