When a workplace can be anything from an office to a factory to a construction site, a ‘one-size-fits-all’ hydration solution is not going to cut it. So what should employers consider when choosing a water dispensing system for a workplace setting?
Refreshment spoke to a number of specialists in water filtration to find out.
Adequate water intake is crucial for productivity at work. It supports cognitive functions like concentration and memory, as well as boosting mood and morale. Conversely, dehydration can reduce focus, alertness and energy, potentially leading to decreased work performance and increased fatigue and brain fog.
Providing accessible and enjoyable water to encourage regular consumption should be a priority for employers who want to maximise the productivity of their teams – especially as workers start to spend more days in the office.
So what are the best water dispens solutions for employers and workplaces, and what non- negotiable features should managers look for in their choice of supplier?
Bottled vs POU water coolers
The filtration specialists we spoke to all almost all advocated for Point-of-Use (POU) water coolers systems over bottled, for a variety of reasons. POU water coolers are connected directly to the mains supply, and, when properly installed and filtered, offer a continuous and unlimited supply of consistently high-quality fresh water.
Bottled dispensers, meanwhile, can add invisible labour to workplace maintenance, such as tracking usage; managing returns and refills; storing replacement bottles; physically replacing the heavy water jugs and more. POU systems avoid these logistical, hygienic and environmental issues, minimising the need for transport, storage and, crucially, the risk of stagnation at quiet times for the business.
“POU is the ideal solution whenever there is access to the mains water supply and the water quality is reasonably good,” said Paz Ausin, export manager at European water cooler manufacturer Canaletas. “However, in locations where there is no plumbing access or where water quality is very poor, a bottled water dispenser may be more appropriate.”
Key considerations
Ultimately, budget and specific workplace needs will guide an employer’s choice of water dispense system for their business premises, but evaluating all the contributing factors can be far from simple.
Canaletas’ Ausin agreed that the most important factor to consider when choosing a filtration system for a workplace is the quality of the local water supply. “In some cases, no filtration may be needed at all, or a simple filter that improves taste and reduces chlorine may be enough,” she explained. “In other cases, such as when sediment levels are high or the water is poorly controlled, additional filtration – like sediment filters, activated carbon filters, UV sterilisers, ultrafiltration or reverse osmosis systems – may be recommended.”
Sustainable solutions
Simply by their nature, POU water coolers are a sustainable option. As well as freshness and safety, filtering at the moment of dispensing means a dramatically reduced carbon footprint.
However, even an inherently sustainable water dispensing system can be improved, and the environmental impact of individual systems should be examined by employers hoping to minimise their environmental footprint.
So what are some examples of workplace filtration solutions that support customers in improving their sustainability credentials?
At Canaletas, dispensers are manufactured using durable, recyclable materials like stainless steel, and products are built to last over 25 years, which significantly reduces waste over the years and helps employers plan for the long term.
“We also help clients make informed decisions about the type of filtration they really need, avoiding unnecessary systems that increase water or energy consumption,” added Ausin.
“This combination of technical advice, eco-conscious design and long-term durability allows our clients to strengthen their sustainability strategies while ensuring high-quality water for their employees.”
Maintenance challenges
The specialists we consulted identified a number of maintenance challenges associated with water filtration systems, some unique to a workplace setting.
There are many factors to consider when specifying a water cooler for the workplace, but the key to demystifying these is in your choice of supply partner. From analysing your local mains water, to considering your environmental footprint, to scheduling regular servicing: the right partner will support you not only through installation, but for the whole lifespan of your water dispenser.
