If you don't touch it with your mouth and run it for a few seconds you'll be just fine.
Also the human body spends all day killing most common bacteria, mold, and similar. You don't even know it is happening. If you got sick every time you came in contact with another person's bodily fluids then you'd be sick almost daily, you'd certainly never go out to eat again, or ride public transport.
My point is, your fears are entirely unfounded. Water fountains are fine.
It's like the people that open the restroom door with a paper towel. They must realize that the people who don't was their hands touch all the other doorknobs as well?
I'd guess the bathroom door is probably the cleanest knob you'd encounter (since lots of people wash their hands before leaving).
Sidenote, when I finish drying my hands I use the towel to open the door. First, why not. Second, the handle usually has some water on it, and I just dried my hands.
Blugh, I can't count the number of times I've watched guys walk out without washing their hands. I don't get it. Is it just a guy thing, or is it common everywhere?
That's a good point, and it's what I do when I need to drink from a fountain. I just got back from Egypt, you should see their solution: clay pot, one cup, everyone drinks from it :) Side-note, after having a child, I've found myself getting more germ-adverse, not less. I'm not sure why.
Also the human body spends all day killing most common bacteria, mold, and similar. You don't even know it is happening. If you got sick every time you came in contact with another person's bodily fluids then you'd be sick almost daily, you'd certainly never go out to eat again, or ride public transport.
My point is, your fears are entirely unfounded. Water fountains are fine.