Vienna begins winter shutdown of fountains

Vienna is beginning to take its fountains out of service for winter, ORF reports. The shutdown covers 55 large fountains, including the Hochstrahlbrunnen and Donnerbrunnen, as well as around 1,800 public drinking fountains.

Work is starting on fountains on the outskirts, where temperatures reach freezing sooner. Those in the first district will be switched off last. The Hochstrahlbrunnen at Schwarzenbergplatz is an exception: preparations for winter will begin there in early November because its large basin makes the work more demanding and time-consuming.

Each fountain is drained to prevent damage from freezing. Monument fountains are also cleaned, their water nozzles and overflows removed, and their basins covered. Paul Hellmeier, head of Vienna Water, said the work had to start at the end of October to protect the fountains from frost and preserve them. The city will put them back into operation in spring.