01 · The Need
An alternative to open fire hydrants
Champigny-sur-Marne is the largest city in the region and the one with the most priority neighborhoods. In Bois-l’Abbé, the high-rises and asphalt trap heat in the summer. During heat waves, residents turn on fire hydrants to cool off (street pooling).
The team in charge of the Territorial Climate, Air, and Energy Plan sought to:
- provide a cool place for residents of the most vulnerable neighborhoods;
- to offer an alternative to open fire hydrants;
- develop a project in collaboration with local stakeholders, rather than simply purchasing equipment.
At first, I heard people saying it wouldn't last two days in this neighborhood, that it would be torn down. But actually, it worked out really well.
Dan Taïeb, Project Manager
02 · The Solution
Islands that cool you off without getting you wet
The region chose the KiosK’ilo® misting stations: they provide cooling without getting people wet and also serve as a playground for children. The connection was made through the cluster of which Water Connect is a member.
1 – A First Block at Bois-l’Abbé
The local government is installing a KiosK’ilo® in the Bois-l’Abbé neighborhood of Champigny-sur-Marne.
2 – A second workstation built in collaboration with the Champigny-sur-Marne Vocational High School
High school students build the entire steel structure based on Water Connect’s blueprints: tubes, welds, and plates. Water Connect supervises the students and teachers, handles certain steps such as bending, and then takes care of the painting and installation.
The station was inaugurated at Friedberg Park in Villiers-sur-Marne, with local officials, firefighters, municipal police, and young people participating in civic service.
03 · In Practice
Who Does What
Connection
The municipality is funding the installation of water and electricity.
Funding
The local government funds the supply, installation, removal, and storage.
Maintenance
Water Connect installs the stations in June, takes them down in late September, stores them over the winter, and submits a usage report at the end of each season.
04 · The Results
Islands in High Demand as Soon as the Heat Sets In
The islands are reassembled every summer, with no wear and tear other than that resulting from normal use.
Attendance remains steady from season to season, according to the usage report.
Cities are calling for the installation of these systems as soon as the first heat waves arrive.
Villiers-sur-Marne requested its own traffic island after seeing the one in Champigny-sur-Marne.
The project brought together the high school, its teachers, and its students around a facility used by their community.
05 · Continued
The two mobile stations return every summer at the request of the municipalities. The regional government and Water Connect continue to work together, including with high schools.
“Today, Water Connect is a key partner in the region. It’s more than just a service provider—it’s truly a partner.”
Dan Taïeb, Paris Est Marne & Bois
