The Environmental Impact of Water Coolers vs. POU Systems

The Environmental Impact of Water Coolers vs. POU Systems

Understanding the impact of water coolers has become increasingly important as workplaces rethink their sustainability goals. With more businesses prioritising single-use plastic reduction and looking for an eco-friendly water dispenser, this guide compares bottled coolers with plumbed-in point-of-use (POU) systems to help teams choose wisely.

How Bottled Water Coolers Affect Sustainability

Traditional bottled water coolers are well known and widely used, but they naturally involve more environmental considerations. Large bottles require manufacturing, repeated transport and scheduled delivery, all contributing to the carbon footprint of water delivery.

That said, many suppliers – including AquAid – use robustly reusable bottles rather than disposable plastics, which significantly cuts waste. For sites without direct access to mains water, bottled systems can also be the only practical option.

Why POU Systems Offer an Eco-Friendly Alternative

POU or mains connected water coolers filter mains water at the point of use. This approach eliminates bottle production and delivery entirely, offering clear benefits for teams aiming at single-use plastic reduction or simply looking for an eco-friendlier water dispenser.

Because POU units stay installed in one position, they generally require less storage and transport logistics than bottled solutions. Over time, this can also make them more cost-effective – especially in busy offices where water consumption is consistently high.

Choosing the Right Solution for Your Workplace

When comparing the two systems, the decision often comes down to three key factors:

  1. Environmental priorities – POU systems typically win on sustainability, though bottled coolers remain suitable for locations without reliable mains access.
  2. Space and practicality – Consider where the unit will be positioned, including delivery access if using bottled options.
  3. Usage levels – Heavy-use environments usually benefit from the continuous supply POU systems provide.

AquAid supports clients in assessing both practical and eco-related needs to help them select the most efficient system for their workplace.

In a world where sustainability matters more every year, understanding the impact of water coolers helps businesses choose responsibly. Whether switching to a greener POU system or optimising bottled options, the right solution depends on your site’s layout, usage and environmental goals. To explore the best setup for your team, you can contact AquAid for tailored advice.

 

5 Simple Steps to Keep Your Water Fresh and Safe

5 Simple Steps to Keep Your Water Fresh and Safe

Why Water Cooler Maintenance Matters

A clean water cooler isn’t just about appearance – it’s about safety and wellbeing. Regular cleaning helps prevent bacteria, maintain water quality and extend the life of your dispenser. Here’s a simple five-step checklist to help you keep your water fresh and your workplace healthy.

  1. How Often Should You Sanitise Your Water Cooler?

Aim to conduct water cooler sanitation every few weeks. This prevents the build-up of bacteria, mould and algae that can affect both taste and safety.
Quick tips:

  • Wipe down taps and outer surfaces weekly with a food-safe disinfectant.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals – they can leave residues.
  • Always wash your hands before refilling or touching the dispenser.

If you want to reduce touchpoints altogether, consider a touch free water cooler for added hygiene.

  1. What’s the Best Way to Maintain Water Dispenser Hygiene?

Water dispenser hygiene includes cleaning both visible and hidden parts.

  • Empty and clean the drip tray daily.
  • Rinse removable components with mild detergent and warm water.
  • Let all parts air dry before reassembling.

These quick actions keep your dispenser hygienic and safe for daily use.

  1. How to Prevent Bacteria in Your Cooler

To prevent bacteria in your cooler, avoid positioning it in direct sunlight or near heat sources – warmth encourages microbial growth.
Best practice:

  • Position your bottle fed water cooler in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
  • Always use sealed water bottles from trusted suppliers such as AquAid.
  • Replace bottles promptly and avoid leaving a part-used bottle on the cooler for extended periods.

Correct positioning and handling help ensure your water remains consistently fresh.

  1. Why a Monthly Cleaning Guide Helps

Although AquAid services its coolers as part of every rental agreement – every six months for mains-fed units and every three months for bottle-fed models – regular light cleaning between services is still recommended.

A monthly cleaning guide helps your team keep the dispenser hygienic between professional visits.
Checklist idea:

  • Wipe down external surfaces regularly.
  • Keep drip trays empty and clean.
  • Ensure bottles are changed promptly and correctly.

These simple actions help maintain water freshness between AquAid’s scheduled service visits.

  1. When to Rely on AquAid’s Professional Maintenance

One of the benefits of installing a water dispenser from AquAid is knowing it will always be professionally maintained. Our engineers automatically service mains-fed water coolers every six months and bottle-fed coolers every three months – including full internal sanitation and filter changes.

If you’re an AquAid customer and need support between service visits, contact AquAid for expert advice.

Key Takeaway: Simple Steps for Lasting Freshness

Keeping your office water safe is straightforward when you follow these steps to keep your water fresh:

  1. Sanitise regularly.
  2. Maintain internal hygiene.
  3. Position your cooler correctly.
  4. Clean lightly between AquAid service visits.
  5. Rely on AquAid’s scheduled professional maintenance.

A clean water cooler means healthier staff, better-tasting water, and peace of mind – all with minimal effort.

Heatwave Hydration at the Water Cooler

Heatwave Hydration at the Water Cooler

 

When the mercury rises, staying cool and hydrated becomes essential – whether you’re at home, at work, or out and about. Here’s how to keep your water intake up and your body temperature down.

Workplace Water Cooler Hydration Tips

A water cooler or water dispenser in the office is your best ally during a heatwave.

Visit it regularly to top up your drinking water – setting a reminder can help.

Choose cool (but not icy) drinks to lower your body temperature gradually.

Wear lightweight, breathable clothing and keep a reusable water bottle at your desk for easy refills.

Home Cooling and Hydration from the Water Cooler

Hydration matters as much indoors as it does outdoors.

Keep chilled water ready in the fridge or fill bottles from your water dispenser before freezing for later use.

Encourage children to drink regularly – even if they don’t feel thirsty.

Close curtains or blinds to block heat and ventilate during cooler parts of the day.

Avoid heat-generating activities like cooking or running appliances in peak temperatures.

Opt for light meals such as salads and fruit, which also help maintain hydration.

Staying Hydrated Beyond the Water Cooler

If you’re on the move, plan ahead to beat the heat.

Carry bottled water wherever you go.

Avoid direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm, especially if you’re vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

Wear loose, light-coloured clothing and a hat for shade.

Seek out cool spaces and take regular breaks from activity.

Replenish lost minerals as well as water – fruit juice or electrolyte drinks can help after excessive sweating.

Remember: Whether you’re at your desk, relaxing at home, or enjoying the outdoors, keeping water nearby is the simplest way to stay healthy, hydrated, and cool during a heatwave. For a reliable water cooler or water dispenser to help make that happen, contact AquAid – we’re always here to keep you refreshed.

The wonderful thing about water is….

The wonderful thing about water is….

The wonderful thing about water is – everyone drinks it.

Now it may be that not everyone enjoys water – drinking it, that is – but it’s undeniable fact: from the tiniest organisms to the largest creatures on our planet – drink water we must.

The reasoning here is, if we must drink water, we should, at least, enjoy doing so!

That’s where AquAid comes in.

We’re not only a well-established, highly experienced supplier of a comprehensive range of water dispensers, we are constantly evolving, making sure that we provide our absolute best in both products and service.

Which means we know a thing or two about how to make your water-drinking experience a positive, uplifting one.

Here’s how:

  • We offer a free on-site consultation. This helps to make sure that you have the water dispenser with a capacity commensurate to your drinking water requirements.
  • Our range of water coolers dispense cool, chilled, cold and hot water, so whatever your preference, there’s always a refreshing option available.
  • We offer a variety of models – from space-saving desktop coolers to larger dispensers ideal for high-traffic areas.
  • We’re fast and efficient! A bottled water cooler can be installed within 48 hours and mains fed water coolers within 3 to 4 days.
  • We think beyond business. This is achieved through our committed, ongoing donations to the charities we have supported for more than 20 years.

It’s a great feeling to know, that while you’re busy replenishing your water bottle or glass at your water dispenser, you’re also helping to fund the installation of sustainable safe water resources for thousands of communities in need.

Don’t delay. Water up. Contact AquAid and we’ll guide you as to how easily achievable this is. Cheers!

Three Refreshing Cs of a Water Cooler

Three Refreshing Cs of a Water Cooler

Utilising the three C’s (more actually) and in the proverbial words of a famous English poet: Let us count the ways in which a water cooler is of benefit.

Can you have too much of a good thing? We believe it’s possible, so in order not to overwhelm you, we’re going to kickstart with five positive C catchphrases.

  1. Convenience

Having a water cooler in the workplace, whether it’s a small office or a sprawling industrial estate, is undeniably convenient. It ensures that fresh drinking water is always readily available, saving time and effort.

  1. Cost-effective

Installing a water cooler is a smart financial move. It significantly reduces the need for costly single use bottled water and other less sustainable options. Over time, this adds up to noticeable savings – good news for your budget and the planet.

  1. Cleanliness

Water coolers promote hygiene by providing a clean and controlled drinking water source.

This is backed by AquAid’s policy where we automatically sanitise our bottled water coolers and service our mains fed water coolers every six months by our WHA (Water Dispenser & Hydration Association)​ accredited engineers. It’s our way of ensuring that you enjoy not just clean water but peace of mind too.

  1. Consistency

There’s nothing worse than inconsistency when it comes to the basics, especially drinking water. A water cooler provides a reliable, on-demand source of both chilled and hot water, ensuring your team stays hydrated all day long, without interruption.

  1. Cooling

Finally, the cooling factor. A water cooler offers a refreshing source of chilled water, ideal during the warmer months, when things heat up at work, or post workout. It’s the little pick-me-up that can make a big difference to your day.

There you have it: the convenient, cost-effective, clean, consistent and cooling water cooler. Efficiently ticking all the right boxes for a healthier, hydrated workplace. Contact AquAid to explore how one could fit into your space.

 

Refreshing Offices: Why Water Coolers

Refreshing Offices: Why Water Coolers

Installing a water cooler in the office offers far more than just access to hydration – it can significantly enhance both productivity and workplace culture. Whether opting for bottled or mains-fed water coolers, businesses create an environment that encourages employees to pause, refresh and return to their tasks with renewed focus. This subtle improvement in daily routine can contribute to reduced fatigue, improved concentration and an overall uplift in staff morale.

A strategically placed office water cooler also fosters spontaneous collaboration. As colleagues gather around water dispensers, they are more likely to engage in informal conversations that often lead to innovative ideas and creative problem-solving. In this way, water coolers serve not only as hydration stations but also as valuable social touchpoints that reinforce team cohesion across departments.

For organisations seeking to demonstrate a commitment to employee wellbeing, investing in water coolers for the workplace is a visible and appreciated gesture. Mains-fed water coolers, in particular, provide a sustainable alternative by reducing plastic waste and supporting environmentally conscious office practices. With regular use, these systems can also reduce reliance on single-use bottled drinks, aligning the office with broader CSR goals.

Furthermore, the presence of a high-quality office water cooler may contribute to a positive impression among visitors, partners and prospective hires. A clean, well-maintained water dispenser signals that the company values comfort, health and professionalism – qualities that speak volumes in today’s competitive business landscape.

In larger workplaces with multiple offices or work environments, the installation of multiple water coolers ensures equal access to hydration, supporting the health and productivity of all staff regardless of location. Bottled water coolers are particularly flexible for sites where plumbing is restricted, ensuring no corner of the workplace is left without essential amenities.

Ultimately, the decision to incorporate water in the office goes beyond practical necessity. It is an investment in the people who power the organisation, creating a more dynamic, efficient and attractive workplace. When staff feel that their well-being is prioritised – even in seemingly small ways like access to fresh, cool water – the result is often greater loyalty, reduced absenteeism and improved overall performance.