If you’re feeling parched while you’re at work, you can always walk over to the water cooler in your workplace to quench your thirst and get some relief from the heat.
These systems perform a respectable job of ensuring that everybody in your workspace stays hydrated at all times.
However, there is a possibility that you haven’t given much thought to the following query: are water coolers hygienic?
We are going to tell you everything you need to know about the cleanliness of your water cooler and whether or not you ought to look for a new solution in this blog post.
For many years, water coolers have been an indispensable component of the modern office. They make it possible for workplaces to offer hygienic and easily accessible drinking water to employees like you and your coworkers. However, the water that comes out of your water cooler isn’t as clean as you might believe it is.
It is possible for the quality of the drinking water to deteriorate while it is being transported, stored, or handled in the container. Nevertheless, the water dispenser presents the greatest risk.
Researchers discovered that the growth of bacteria in a water dispenser can contaminate drinking water and cause it to have levels of germs that are over what is considered acceptable.
This is concerning information from the standpoint of public health because consuming water that is tainted might have a negative impact on one’s health.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a lack of cleanliness can put people at risk for a variety of diseases, including cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, and others.
Finding a better solution to your water demands may be required if you do not want to risk making your staff sick. This is the last thing any company wants to happen.
Are Water Coolers Safe?
In spite of the fact that water cooler dispensers can attract bacteria like magnets, it is normally safe to use them.
However, this will only be the case if you put in the necessary effort and ensure that they are adequately maintained.
If you aren’t familiar with the recommended cleaning schedule for water dispensers, it’s likely that you aren’t giving yours the attention it needs. It is highly advised that you perform a comprehensive cleaning at least once every half a year.
There are a number of different things that could compromise the quality of the water that is available for consumption from a water cooler. Here are some important factors to take into consideration:
- Water source
The source of the water that is being dispensed by the water cooler is a critical factor in its safety.
If the water comes from a municipal water supply that is regularly tested and treated, it is likely safe to drink.
However, if the water is from a private well or other untested source, there may be a risk of contamination.
- Maintenance
Regular maintenance of the water cooler is essential for ensuring its safety. The cooler should be cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis, and the filter should be changed as recommended by the manufacturer.
Failure to maintain the water cooler can lead to the growth of bacteria and other contaminants.
- Temperature
Water coolers should dispense water that is at a safe temperature for drinking. If the water is too cold, it can cause discomfort or even injury.
If the water is too warm, it can promote the growth of bacteria. Ideally, the water should be between 39 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Hygiene
Finally, it is important to practice good hygiene when using a water cooler. Users should avoid touching the spigot with their hands, as this can transfer bacteria.
Instead, they should use a cup or other clean utensil to dispense the water. Additionally, users should avoid placing any items on top of the water cooler that could contaminate the water.
The Common Contaminants Found in Water Coolers
There are many potential entry points for bacteria into a water cooler. For instance, one of your employees might unintentionally contaminate the machine if they touch the spigot without first washing their hands.
The manner in which the cooler is polluted can have an effect on the kind of bacterial growth that takes place.
The following are some of the most prevalent forms of pollutants that can be found in water coolers:
- Heterotrophs
Heterotrophs are a type of microorganism that consumes carbon for food, analogous to yeasts and molds. Because they are what are known as “open” systems, traditional water dispensers that use 5 gallon water jugs can serve as a fertile breeding environment for heterotrophs.
It means that it is able to suck air in from the environment surrounding the tank. Once they are inside the tank, they will be able to reproduce by eating the rubber and seals inside.
- Chemical Residue
If you try to clean your water cooler using chemicals, you run the risk of leaving behind chemical residue, which is a distinct kind of risk.
In spite of the fact that compounds like as chlorine and bleach have the ability to eradicate heterotrophs, they nonetheless have the potential to leave behind a toxic residue if they are not fully removed.
- Algae
It’s possible that algae are to blame for the hue shifts in the water; keep an eye out for them. Algae can only grow when there is sufficient water and light available to it.
As a consequence of this, your water cooler provides the ideal conditions for the growth of algae.
Even though it does not produce toxins, green algae can make the water smell and taste differently.
Is There a Better Way To Dispense Water?
Water coolers aren’t precisely a problem that can be solved without human intervention. In order to prevent the spread of bacteria, they call for a significant amount of your attention.
If this seems cumbersome to you, there is another technique to prevent dehydration among your staff members that does not require their participation.
Rather of purchasing a water cooler, you should put your money into an appliance that prevents us from health risks like filtered water dispenser. The majority of the risks associated with contamination that come with using a standard water cooler can be mitigated by using a water dispenser that filters the water.
Because the systems that we give enable automatic sanitation, there is no need for you to be concerned about the process of sanitation.
Our systems come equipped with a built-in purification mechanism that eliminates hazardous bacteria and viruses to provide an additional layer of defense.
In addition, the water and filter quality are constantly monitored by the dispenser, which alerts you when a new filter should be installed.
