Water from the East Market fountain was warm again this morning for the third time this week. Engineers believe heat is transferring from a nearby steam line into the older water pipe beneath the square. The fountain remains safe for ordinary public use.
This has created a disagreement over the meaning of “ordinary.” A fruit seller has started warming his hands there before opening his stall. Two children attempted to warm a pie. A tea merchant placed a sign beside the fountain reading:
“FRESH MUNICIPAL HOT WATER.” The sign was removed by an inspector. The tea merchant replaced it with: “UNOFFICIAL MUNICIPAL-ADJACENT WARM WATER.” That sign was also removed. Further inspection is planned. The tea merchant is now selling cold tea and describing it as a protest.
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