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The Metropolitan Free Drinking Fountain Association, as it was originally known, was established by Samuel Gurney, MP, in 1859. As a charity it aimed to provide the poor living in London with a clean, fresh water supply. The cholera epidemics of 1848-9 and 1853-4 had demonstrated the need for such action. The first drinking fountain was erected in 1859 against the wall of St Sepulchre's Church, Snow Hill.
Although the Association was largely motivated by the need for a hygienic water supply, it also had the support of temperance organisations, who disliked the fact the beer was more readily available than water.
The Association was also concerned with animal welfare, and erected a considerable number of cattle and horse troughs in and around London. By 1865 the majority of drinking fountains also had troughs for dogs attached to them.
By the 1930s the emphasis of the Association's work had changed. There was no longer such a great need to provide drinking facilities for animals in London as livestock ceased to be herded through the streets to market, and horse drawn vehicles were no longer prevalent. The Association, therefore, concentrated on providing drinking facilities in parks and other recreational areas, as well as schools.
Despite its name the Association has never restricted its work to the London area. It has been responsible for the construction of fountains all over the British Isles, as well as in such countries as Australia, Africa, Japan and Korea.
The Association still exists today and is known as the Drinking Fountain Association.