Benson Bubbler

There are a bunch of these around town and even more if you count the one bowl versions. he classic look was designed by A. E. Doyle and that and the first bunch were designed by local businessman Simon Benson.
Today they are an important part of the downtown landscape providing fresh drinking water to whoever wants it. Many people are worried because of others (like dogs) who use them. Several tests like this one (
) indicates they are safe.

Some of the most unique water fountains I’ve seen on this side of the Atlantic. When I first saw these guys I didn’t know what to make of them. Were they art? Fountains? Are they actually for drinking?!
I took the plunge and enjoyed some fresh, cool water. Bottoms up!

The Benson Bubblers are throughout Downtown Portland.
I was drinking at one at PSU.
It is free and the water is usually cold, which works on a hot day. They reuse much of the water which is good for conservation.
The bubblers are also a work of engineering. The very fixed metals in it allow you to go from sip to sip. Some of them have four of the fountains, allowing a friend to sip as well.
You don’t have to push a button like in an office water fountain.
Free cold water is a worthwhile concern in certain hotter months. The bubblers make Portland special amongst other things.
The Benson Bubbler is worth trying out. What is it going to cost you? Unless, the government poisons it like the conspiracy theorists suggest, go ahead.

Cool little piece of Portland history. Be on the lookout for these as you stroll thru downtown Portland. There is one right across the street from Voodoo Donuts.

I should hate the Benson Bubblers in theory. Mr. Simon Benson started installing them in 1912 to keep his lowly logger employees out of the bars. And that’s not really in line with something AB would support.
However, I find them kind of adorable and they are uniquely Portland, so I must also admit I enjoy that aspect of these ever-​pumping little drinking fountains.
Benson originally gave $ 10K for 20 bubblers around town, but there are around 50 total today. While I can’t prove it, I feel like this one might be slightly less filthy than some others. Just a gut feel, though, and I have nothing to back that up with.
Unlike anyone else I know, I will take a drink out of these fountains. I live on the edge like that.

These things are awesome! Who cares if bums bathe in them, or if animals use them (local flavor). Its not like animal and bum residue isn’t in the open reservoirs in Washington Park and therefore in the water that is emitted from these fountains. The water tastes great, is very cold, and is free!