Does a Bubbler Count as Water? A Definitive Answer

October 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, sparkling water—sometimes referred to as a bubbler beverage—can count towards your daily total water intake, just like still water. However, the term 'bubbler' has very different meanings depending on context, leading to confusion about what exactly is being consumed and whether it provides hydration.

Quick Summary

This article clarifies the distinct meanings of the term 'bubbler,' covering both drinking fountains and smoking accessories. It details how water is used in each context, discussing hydration benefits, important safety precautions, and hygienic practices for both types of devices.

Key Points

Drinking Fountain Bubbler: A regional term for a public drinking fountain that dispenses safe, potable tap water for hydration.
Smoking Bubbler: A smaller, handheld water pipe that uses water to cool and filter smoke from herbs; the water is not for drinking.
Hygiene is Critical: The water in smoking bubblers becomes contaminated with bacteria and mold and poses a serious health risk if consumed or left uncleaned.
Hydration Source: The water from a drinking fountain bubbler is a valid source of hydration, with water quality controlled by municipal standards.
Two Meanings: Always clarify the context when someone refers to a 'bubbler' to understand if they are talking about a water source or a smoking accessory.
Safety Precautions: For drinking fountains, practice good hand hygiene; for smoking bubblers, change the water and clean the device frequently.

The question, "Does bubbler count as water?" is not as simple as it seems because the word 'bubbler' can refer to two entirely different objects. In some parts of the United States and Australia, a bubbler is a public drinking fountain. In another, very different context, it is a type of smoking accessory similar to a water pipe. This article will clarify both meanings and what you need to know about the water in each.

The Drinking Fountain Bubbler: A Water Source

In regions like Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and parts of Australia, the term 'bubbler' is used to describe a drinking fountain. The water provided by this type of bubbler is intended for drinking and can be a safe, convenient source of hydration.

How Water Bubblers Function

Drinking bubblers are connected to the municipal water supply, which is treated and regulated to ensure safety. Modern indoor bubblers often incorporate filters and chillers to improve the taste and temperature of the water. When a button or sensor is activated, the water is pushed up and dispensed from a tap or nozzle, allowing a person to drink directly from the stream.

Water Quality and Safety

Water from a public drinking bubbler is typically safe, but its cleanliness is affected by several factors. The water inside the system is held to city health standards, which can be higher than those for bottled water. However, the fountain's exterior—the nozzle and button—is a high-touch surface and can harbor bacteria.

Best practices for using a drinking bubbler:

Use a foot pedal or touchless sensor when available to avoid touching the unit with your hands.
If using a manual button, wash your hands afterward, especially before touching your mouth or the opening of a bottle.
Consider carrying hand sanitizer for extra precaution in high-traffic areas.
If the nozzle appears visibly dirty, it is best to find another source.
Allow the water to run for a few seconds before drinking to flush the line.

The Smoking Bubbler: Water Filtration, Not Hydration

The second, and increasingly common, use of the term 'bubbler' refers to a compact, handheld smoking device used for consuming herbs. It is a type of water pipe that is smaller than a traditional bong.

The Role of Water in a Smoking Bubbler

Unlike a drinking fountain, the water in a smoking bubbler is never intended for consumption. Its purpose is purely functional: to filter and cool the smoke before it is inhaled. The smoke travels from the bowl, through a downstem, and bubbles through the water in the chamber. This process serves three main functions:

Filtration: It traps some of the heavier particulates and ash from the smoke.
Cooling: It significantly lowers the temperature of the smoke, making it less harsh on the throat and lungs.
Humidification: It adds moisture to the smoke, further reducing irritation.

Water Dangers and Hygiene

The water inside a smoking bubbler is not clean drinking water. Over time, it accumulates tar, resin, bacteria, and mold, creating a significant health hazard. Inhaling smoke that has passed through contaminated water can expose the user to harmful microbes, potentially leading to respiratory infections.

Safety tips for using a smoking bubbler:

Always use fresh, clean water for each session.
Empty and rinse the device after every use to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
Perform a deep clean weekly or biweekly with isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt.
Never share a bubbler without thoroughly cleaning it first to prevent the spread of illness.
Avoid overfilling the chamber, which can cause water to splash into your mouth.

Comparison Table: Drinking Bubbler vs. Smoking Bubbler


Feature	Drinking Bubbler (Fountain)	Smoking Bubbler (Accessory)
Purpose	To provide safe, potable drinking water for hydration.	To filter and cool smoke for inhalation.
Water Source	Municipal water supply, often filtered and chilled.	Any potable water source, added by the user.
Hygienic Risk	Low, primarily from external high-touch surfaces if neglected.	High, water becomes contaminated with bacteria, mold, and residue.
Usage	Drinking water directly from a stream or filling a bottle.	Inhaling smoke that has been filtered and cooled.
Hydration	Yes, provides direct hydration.	No, the water is not for consumption and provides no hydration.
Legality	Public utilities; regulated and legal.	Depends on local laws regarding cannabis and paraphernalia.

Conclusion: Context is Key

So, does bubbler count as water? The answer depends entirely on which type of bubbler you are talking about. A drinking bubbler is a legitimate source of hydrating water, subject to public health regulations. However, the water in a smoking bubbler is a filtration medium and becomes a health risk if not properly maintained. Knowing the context is crucial for both staying safely hydrated and practicing good hygiene. While one offers refreshing, clean water, the other must be kept separate from any consumption. For reliable information on general hydration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is an excellent resource, especially for understanding how much water to drink daily. CDC on Hydration

Frequently Asked Questions

The term 'bubbler' for a drinking fountain is a regionalism, most commonly used in parts of Wisconsin and Massachusetts in the U.S. and in Australia. It may have originated from the bubbling sound the early fountains made as water shot up.

Yes, the water from a drinking bubbler is generally safe to drink as it comes from the municipal water supply, which is regulated for safety and often filtered and chilled within the unit itself.

In a smoking bubbler, the water is used to cool and filter the smoke created from burning herbs. It helps to remove some particulates and makes the smoke smoother and less harsh to inhale.

No, it is extremely unsafe to drink the water from a smoking bubbler. The water becomes contaminated with bacteria, mold, and residue from the herbs and can lead to serious respiratory infections if ingested.

You should change the water in a smoking bubbler before every session. For deeper cleaning, it's recommended to do so weekly with isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt.

Some people might refer to carbonated or sparkling water as a 'bubbler beverage' because of its effervescence. Plain sparkling water is just as hydrating as still water and can count toward your daily intake.

Yes, in industrial and scientific contexts, a 'bubbler' can refer to a device used to introduce gas into a liquid. Examples include fine-bubble aeration systems for improving water quality or lab equipment for inert gas transfer.