Water coolers and drinking fountains Blog
The Benefits of Touch-Free Dispensers in Public Spaces
Touch-free water dispensers ensure safer use in environments where many people share the same water fountain.A modern technology that combines health, efficiency, and confidence.
TOUCH-FREE DISPENSING
Touch-free water dispensers improve hygiene by helping to prevent the spread of germs, especially in places where many people use the same machine. Here, Refreshment editor Bryony Andrews spoke to some successful forerunners of touch-free dispensing about the different forms of technology available, and about the benefits of offering a touch-free service in high-traffic areas.
In a post-Covid world, consumers are more aware of the risk of transmitting germs and viruses through shared public amenities. Aware that this could lead potential users to avoid their services, a growing number of water dispenser manufacturers have responded by developing touch-free technology to maximise safety and hygiene for the users of their products.
Touch-free water dispensers are ideal for high-traffic locations, Cristina Oliver-Rodés of European water cooler manufacturer Canaletas, told Refreshment. She identified hospitals and medical facilities, offices and corporate environments and foodservice and hospitality establishments as locations in particular need of touch-free dispensing.
“Any location aiming to provide a safe and modern hydration solution for users would benefit from upgrading to touch-free technology. Touch-free water dispensers improve hygiene by avoiding contact with buttons, which helps prevent the spread of germs, especially in places where many people use the same machine.”
From manual foot pedals to infrared technology and laser sensors, there are many different touch- free dispensing options to choose from. However not all touch-free technology is created equal, and different formats may be better suited to certain locations and users.
Historically, manual, foot-pedal-powered dispensers have been the most commonly used touch-free systems. In recent years, however, manufacturers have started to develop more sophisticated technology to improve the user experience.
For Canaletas, sensor accuracy is vital to minimising operators’ maintenance workload. Several of Caneletas’ touch-free models employ a patented dual-sensor system, which Oliver-Rodés identified as a key strength of their technology.
The innovative system uses two sensors, she explained. “The first detects the presence of a bottle or cup, and only when detected can the second sensor be activated, allowing water to be dispensed. If no bottle or cup is detected, water will not flow, even if the activation sensor is triggered.”
This safety feature helps avoid accidental spills, reduces water waste and increases overall user safety, proving especially useful in public or high-traffic areas.