Drinking fountain. The word is predominantly used in parts of the
upper Midwest, Rhode Island, and Australia. It is said that in a couple of places that the usage may be related to the Wisconsin-based manufacturer, Kohler, which marketed a fountain under
the Bubbler name around 1914.
Within New England, "bubbla" is used most in the State of rhode island, but because of the state's close proximity to Mass, many residents of Mass may also be familiar with the term.