In the Hittite cuneiform texts, water is considered to be an agent of purification; it is used both for sprinkling and bathing during rituals. 2 The sacred character of water is also attested, since watercourses and springs are divinized and worshipped as members of the Anatolian pantheons. 3 Water deities are numerous in Hittite Anatolia, as are watercourses and springs in the Anatolian landscape. Bodies of water are also used in divination. This is the case of the altanni-pond in which ichthyomantic inquiries are performed. 4 River ordeals are also attested: the River god judges someone's innocence or guilt. 5 In the present study, yet another aspect of water will be examined, namely the functions of ponds and fountains in the Hittite state cult according to Hittite cuneiform texts. Four main aspects will be explored more specifically: I) ponds and fountains as places for purification; II) ponds and fountains of the gods; III) ponds and fountains as places for sacrifices both in ritual and cultic contexts; IV) ponds and fountains as places for cultic events.