Olympia Artesian Well

## Overview The Olympia Artesian Well is a beloved public drinking spring located in the heart of downtown Olympia, Washington's state capital. Situated near the intersection of 4th Avenue and Adams Street, this free-flowing artesian well has long been a gathering spot for locals and visitors who come to fill jugs and bottles with naturally filtered water drawn from deep underground aquifers. Olympia sits atop a network of artesian aquifers, and the city's very name is intertwined with its abundant natural water sources. The well taps into a confined aquifer where water is pushed to the surface by natural underground pressure — no pumping required. This artesian flow is a hallmark of the region's geology, shaped by glacial deposits from the last Ice Age that created layers of permeable gravel and impermeable clay, trapping and pressurizing groundwater beneath the surface. The well has historically been a popular source of drinking water for the community, and visitors have long reported that the water tastes exceptionally clean and refreshing. It remains one of the most accessible and well-known public artesian wells in the Pacific Northwest. ## Directions 1. Head to downtown Olympia, Washington. 2. Navigate to the area near **4th Avenue and Adams Street** in the city center. 3. The artesian well is publicly accessible at street level — look for the spigot and the steady flow of water, often accompanied by people filling containers. 4. **GPS Coordinates:** 47.044772, -122.897122 Street parking and public lots are available throughout downtown Olympia. The well is within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants, and the waterfront. ## What to Expect The Olympia Artesian Well flows continuously, delivering a steady stream of naturally pressurized water year-round. Visitors will find a simple spigot-style setup where you can fill water bottles, jugs, or other containers. It's common to see a line of locals with large containers, especially on weekends — the well is a genuine community fixture. The surrounding area is walkable downtown Olympia, with plenty of cafés, local businesses, and the nearby Capitol Lake and Percival Landing waterfront park. The well makes a convenient stop while exploring the city. Because this is an outdoor, publicly accessible well in an urban setting, water conditions may vary. While the water has historically been used as a drinking water source and is widely regarded by locals as high-quality, visitors should be aware that natural water sources can fluctuate. Bring your own containers — there are no cups or bottles provided on-site.