I've seen those too. I don't care whether or not they have a filter (my water bottle does), but I do like that it just makes it way more convenient to top off the water bottle. Before, I had to tilt the bottle and that would mean I couldn't fill it all the way.

I love these, no more awkward aiming with the bottle tilted hoping you don't overfill and make a mess.

These things are awesome and I wish they were more places. I always carry my water bottle with me and just refill it. It carries twice and some of what a normal water bottle costs and is more convenient to use. I do use the bottled water machine most of the time because it's cooled and we don't have ice or I'd use the tap. I only use the tap at home.

This seems like a much more reasonable solution than a fountain. People do not interact with it directly so there should be less biological contamination. Further, you can take it with you which means you will get more of it when you need it, thus staying hydrated. Most fountains I have seen are poorly maintained and have growth or corrosion of the faucet. Bundle that in with how awkward it is to use, and how many other strangers are putting their mouth close to it, it really doesn't seem worth it for a mouthful.

+1 for filling stations.

The one at my local university dispenses chilled water with light carbonation. I wish I had one of those at home. Tap water doesn't get any fancier than this.

I've seen these at the PDX airport and nowhere else. I would love it if they'd become more common.