The fountain season in Moscow officially concluded on October 1st. This announcement was made by Pyotr Biryukov, the Deputy Mayor for Housing, Utilities, and Amenities, during a press briefing.
Biryukov detailed the extensive post-season operations, stating that specialists from the city`s utility complex would undertake a thorough cleaning of all fountain basins and sculptures using a specialized solution. Following this, all technical equipment, including underwater lighting, will be carefully dismantled. The final step involves comprehensive winterization preparations to protect the fountains during the colder months, ensuring their longevity and readiness for the next spring season.
The Deputy Mayor further explained the intricate process of shutting down these urban water features. The pumps are sequentially deactivated to prevent any hydraulic shock, also known as water hammer, which could damage the systems. Draining the water from the various fountain basins can take different durations, ranging from as little as 15 minutes for smaller installations to several days for larger, more complex ones. For instance, the majestic dynamic fountain in Gorky Park requires approximately six days to be fully drained due to its size and sophisticated design.
Biryukov also provided insights into how different types of fountains are prepared for winter. Fountains featuring intricate engineering and decorative elements will be protected with custom-built structures designed to shield them from adverse weather conditions. Specifically, the historically significant “Repinsky” and “Pushkinsky” fountains will be secured with robust metal shields. The unique dynamic fountain located in the Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve, a marvel of modern design and the only one of its kind in Moscow, will be covered with a specialized inflatable dome. Additionally, the floating fountains situated in the Vodootvodny Canal and Brateevsky Pond are completely dismantled and removed from the water annually, while dry fountains, integrated into parks and squares, are covered with protective screens.
Looking ahead, the head of the city`s utility complex confirmed that the entire winter period would be dedicated to meticulously preparing all Moscow fountains for their next operational season. This extensive preparation includes inspecting and, if necessary, upgrading pumping equipment and filters, performing preventive maintenance on all system communications, and conducting thorough hydraulic diagnostics to ensure optimal performance when they are reactivated.
