Have you ever been forced to wait 30 seconds at a water fountain for the water to get cold and, even then, it still tastes like blood because of the copper content?

There are many water fountains around campus, and many offer a great alternative to steadily rising pop and gourmet drink prices.

Of course, many people argue that because of NIU’s dangerously high copper levels, one should avoid the fountains at all cost. The truth is that the problem long since has passed, and it’s perfectly safe to quench one’s thirst at a fountain of water.

“[The problem has] basically taken care of itself due to the usage,” said Kevin Vines, chief engineer of NIU’s Heating Plant.

Montgomery Hall water fountains boast a musty, full-figured taste with little to no aftertaste and a perfect chill level, great for those who are moderately to extensively thirsty. They offer a dual height model great for a heavily trafficked area.

Barsema Hall has new plumbing and fixtures, so it’s no wonder it has fantastic-tasting, chilled water flowing freely through its fountains.

Watson Hall also has a great dual level set up, but it is weak in the chill level. Plus, the downstairs fountains have a terrible aftertaste.

Reavis Hall, although boasting older faucets, has very well-chilled water and only a moderate after- taste.

Founders Memorial Library has the absolute worst-tasting water fountains on campus; they generally are slow to chill and leave the absolute worst aftertaste.

Vines said he agrees that the less-used, more out-of-the-way water fountains would produce the worst taste because the flow generally dictates the copper content. The longer the water sits, the nastier it tastes.

DuSable Hall has a unique water fountain. It has an old model fountain on one wall, but there is a much newer model around the corner. The chill factor on each is comparable, but the aftertaste is much better on the newer models.

Vines said there is little improvement in the technology of water fountains. Plumbers could implement taste, odor filters and chilling units.

Chilled or not, there’s one great thing about a water fountain — it’s free. So at the end of the day, your thirst is quenched, and you saved three bucks by choosing funky water over the expensive gourmet drinks.

If you wish to lodge a formal complaint about the taste of a certain water fountain, contact the Environmental Health and Safety Office at 753-0404.