Dousing in the digital age
I just heard about a new participatory sensing campaign, called WeTap, that’s mapping drinking-water fountains around San Diego and making the information available through portable telephone apps. According to the group’s website, participatory sensing systems “enable people with mobile phones to systematically observe, study, reflect on, and share their unique world.” Other phenomena being subjected to observation: invasive plants, bike routes, and noise.
It’s a cool idea, and quite similar to Kylie Harper’s brilliant TapIt program, which directs thirsty people with empty bottles, via its website and a telephone app, to water fountains, cafes, and other venues willing to provide free access to their water. (The venues put a sticker in their window announcing same). So far, TapIt’s network includes more than 400 locations across 10 states.
I look forward to the day when public water fountains are so ubiquitous (and well-maintained) that we won’t have to map them. (Now all I need is a map of functioning pay phones, nationwide.)
Elizabeth Royte is the author of 
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