Proper hydration encouraged via talking fountain.

While other drinks are spending billions, the message of “drink more water” is … drowned.

Drink Up (Partnership for a Healthier America) approached VML/Y&R New York for a new way to promote pure, fresh, water.

VML/Y&R created a water fountain with a startling difference, using Raspberry Pi, Makey Makey, an Arduino Micro controller, and custom digital software. When the spout of water touched human lips an electrical circuit completed, playing recorded messages about water as long as they drank.

It was like a carnival of water drinking. Surprise and delight. A secret camera caught the results for social media as New Yorkers at leisure played their part in triggering the message.