Millennials Have Just Discovered The Existence Of ‘Free Water’

I’m a millennial. I’m not even an old millennial, and I’m fully aware that water fountains exist. I used ’em in elementary school all the time. I probably caught a bunch of colds from them. I’ve used them in times of grave desperation in my adult life, but I try to avoid them at all costs. They gross me out.

I’ll take an overpriced water, please.

I thought everyone knew water fountains existed. I was wrong.

A new option for thirsty travelers: water bottle filling stations at the airport. Best of all, the water is free. https://t.co/DVlMaskVuZ

— NYT Business (@nytimesbusiness) November 20, 2017

Water bottle “filling stations.” It’s an innovative new thing! It’s like a water fountain but WAAAAYYYY FANCIER. Or something.

NYT devoted an entire article to this “free water” discovery.

But now, a growing number of airports have begun to install bottle-filling stations for thirsty travelers near bathrooms and water fountains. The easy-to-use stations are part of an effort to find more sustainable ways to manage crowds (and the empty bottles they leave behind) and to improve airport amenities. Best of all, the water is free.

People couldn’t help but mock them.

Water fountains?

— Kevin J. Schillo (@kjschillo) November 21, 2017

I love sinks too.

— Dusty Stole Wishbone (@DustinGiebel) November 21, 2017

Stop the presses. They've had these for 60-70 years!! pic.twitter.com/CvnTxXWcrO

— Baseball and More (@Baseball_More) November 21, 2017

I. Just. Can't.

— Politically agnostic (@joeleyare) November 21, 2017

Next up: a new option for cold people: two sticks. Best of all, the fire is free

— Oh my god, the hammer pulled you off? 🤢 (@PuffyCurry) November 21, 2017

…you mean water fountains? pic.twitter.com/dIyLvLcYOw

— Information Please (@informationplz_) November 21, 2017

The funniest part is you actually pay someone to write this.

— Antonio Menendez Jr. (@EGRISAJOKE) November 21, 2017

It's a drinking fountain. 😒

— 🦃🍂Anna D🍁🐿 (@AnnaDsays) November 21, 2017

These are great, and I think more places should provide them. pic.twitter.com/QGjmVKM5SL

— JPS (@JasonPStarling) November 21, 2017

Like water fountains? GENIUS!

— Al Penwasser (@AlPenwasser) November 21, 2017

"New option?" I've seen these in airports (and elsewhere) for many years.

— Bruce F. Webster (@bfwebster) November 21, 2017

Every airport I've ever visited in my entire life has had free water fountains. PROTIP: They are usually located near the restrooms.

— Peter Butler (@mrgrimm) November 21, 2017

FFS those have been around my college for years. 🙄

— Benny Turner (@GoBennyGo4) November 21, 2017

I have been doing this for years, at water fountains. Always bring my own bottle to fill.

— D to the G (@GalloNotTheWine) November 20, 2017

Someone really had to meet deadline huh

— William B. Fuckley (@opinonhaver) November 21, 2017

I can’t with these people.

h/t Twitchy