Water & Blackberries: A Berry Good Winter Pairing

Water & Blackberries: A Berry Good Winter Pairing

When colder days settle in, it’s all too easy to gravitate toward heavier comfort foods and – without even noticing – let our water intake slip. But with modern heating, cosy offices and indoor workouts, winter no longer needs to be the season of dehydration. One simple way to stay on track is by enjoying water-rich winter fruits and few deliver quite as powerfully as blackberries.

Blackberries may be small, but they pack a hydrating punch with 88% water content, plus fibre, Vitamin C, Vitamin K and a healthy spread of minerals like Potassium, Magnesium and Zinc.

They’ve been part of the British landscape (and diet) for thousands of years, growing abundantly across hedgerows nationwide. Luckily, they’re also available year-round – an easy, tasty way to support hydration, even when the idea of drinking glass after glass feels less appealing in chilly weather.

Still, the simplest and most reliable path to good hydration is, of course, drinking water. Whether you’re in an office, school or remote workspace, a convenient water cooler makes staying hydrated effortless.

For busy spaces that prefer a plumbed-in option, mains fed water coolers provide a constant, unlimited supply.

If flexibility is more important, a bottled water cooler offers refreshing cool water without needing a fixed connection – just slot in the water cooler bottle and you’re set.

If your premises don’t yet have a hydration solution in place, it couldn’t be simpler to arrange one. With decades of expertise and a wide range of water coolers, water dispensers and tailored service options, you can easily contact AquAid to find the best fit for your space.

Stay warm, stay hydrated, enjoy your berries – you’re berry welcome.

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.

 

How Water Dispensers Support Staff and Students Every Day

How Water Dispensers Support Staff and Students Every Day

In schools, colleges and universities, convenience, safety and wellbeing all play an important role in creating a positive learning environment. Installing a water dispenser or water cooler might seem a small change, but it brings a range of practical benefits for both staff and students.

Supporting Smooth Daily Routines

In busy educational settings, time is precious. A water cooler allows teachers, support staff and pupils to easily access hot or cold water without queueing or waiting for a kettle to boil. This small convenience helps keep lessons running smoothly and ensures everyone can get a quick drink between classes or meetings.

Cost and Energy Efficiency for Schools

Running a school efficiently means keeping a close eye on resources. Kettles and old-style boilers consume far more electricity than a modern, energy-efficient water dispenser. Over time, this can lead to measurable savings – freeing up funds that can be better spent on pupils and learning materials.

Reliable and Convenient Access for All

Having a constant supply of fresh drinking water helps maintain a calm, organised atmosphere throughout the day. Mains-fed water coolers ensure water is always available, whether in staff rooms, corridors, or shared student areas. There’s no need to restock bottles or worry about supplies running out, making it easier for everyone to stay comfortable and focused.

Hygienic and Professionally Maintained

Clean, safe water is vital in educational environments. AquAid service all mains connected water coolers every six months and all bottle-fed coolers every three months. Each visit is carried out by WHA accredited engineers, ensuring high standards of hygiene and care. Regular maintenance keeps the units spotless and reliable for both staff and children.

A Simple Addition with Lasting Benefits

Adding a water dispenser – as an examplea free standing water fountain – to your school, college or university is an easy, cost-effective way to improve convenience, reduce energy use and support a cleaner, more efficient learning space.

AquAid Water Coolers: Hydrate at Work, Aid Potable Water Resources

AquAid Water Coolers: Hydrate at Work, Aid Potable Water Resources

Whether you’re operating a multinational corporation or managing a team of two, one thing remains the same: employers have a responsibility to provide a safe, healthy and supportive work environment.

It’s not just about ticking boxes. It’s about genuinely caring for your team’s well-being – and that starts with the basics.

What Does a Healthy Work Environment Look Like?

A positive workplace doesn’t need to be extravagant. But it does need to ensure that everyone has access to key resources that help them stay focused, energised and well.

At the very least, a responsible employer should provide:

  • Easy access to a constant supply of drinking water throughout the day
  • A space to eat and recharge, even if it’s just a small break room
  • A designated area away from the desk where staff can take short breaks
  • Clean, well-maintained bathroom facilities

These are simple, everyday needs – but when they’re consistently met, they contribute massively to morale, productivity and staff retention.

Going Beyond: When Your Water Cooler Does More Than Just Hydrate

It’s easy to overlook the office water cooler. But what if something as ordinary as drinking water at work could have an extraordinary impact somewhere else in the world?

That’s exactly what AquAid has built its mission around.

While AquAid offers a wide range of high-quality water coolers, hot water boilers, bottled water solutions and Instant Taps across the UK – with professional installation and aftercare – it’s their commitment beyond the workplace that truly sets them apart.

Drinking Water Here = Safe Water There

For every mains fed water cooler installed or bottle of water purchased from AquAid, a portion of the proceeds goes directly to charities that provide sustainable, life-saving water resources to communities across Africa.

That means your workplace water solution could be helping to:

  • Fund the installation of community water wells in rural villages
  • Support long-term water purification systems
  • Empower local teams to manage and maintain their own water infrastructure
  • Provide safe drinking water to schools, health clinics and households where it’s desperately needed

And we’re not talking small numbers. Through partnerships with organisations like The Africa Trust and Christian Aid, AquAid has helped bring clean, accessible water to millions of people.

Keen to Make a Difference? Contact us at AquAid

If the idea that your team’s daily water intake could help fund life-changing water solutions for thousands of communities aligns with your values, we’d love to hear from you.

Here’s how to get in touch:

Is Water an Antioxidant? Here’s What’s Really Going On

Is Water an Antioxidant? Here’s What’s Really Going On

In short – no, water is not an antioxidant. But it is found in drinks that do contain antioxidants, which might make it feel like a riddle. Is water pretending? Is it having an identity crisis? No, it’s just doing its job – hydrating you.

So, while antioxidants can be in water-based drinks, water itself isn’t one of them. Time to stop blaming your brain fog on chemistry confusion (but do grab a glass of water just in case).

What Are Antioxidants, Anyway?

Antioxidants are natural compounds found mostly in plant foods. Their job? To protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals – those unstable molecules that sound like something from a sci-fi film but are very real and not very helpful.

Think of antioxidants as microscopic bodyguards for your cells – keeping the peace and protecting against long-term health issues.

Antioxidants in Your Brew: Tea vs Coffee

Start your day with a hot drink? Good news: both tea and coffee are loaded with antioxidants.

All teas – especially green tea – contain flavonoids, a powerful group of antioxidants. In fact, tea is the second most consumed drink in the world after water. Green tea, in particular, is the antioxidant MVP in countries like China and Japan.

Fun fact: Studies show tea drinkers consume up to 20 times more flavonoids per day than those who skip it. Not bad for a humble cuppa.

And coffee? Also great. Research suggests it can be just as antioxidant rich as tea. So, if you’re a morning espresso fan, you’re in luck.

Can Tea and Coffee Replace Fruits and Veg?

Sorry, no. While both drinks are antioxidant-rich, they can’t replace the fibre, vitamins and broader range of nutrients found in fruits and vegetables. A balanced diet still wins.

Hot or Cold, AquAid’s Got You Coolered

Whether it’s a cup or mug of antioxidant-rich, piping hot tea, coffee or just refilling your water glass or bottle with refreshing H2O – we have the water delivery solution for you.

Water coolers, be they a bottled water dispenser or mains fed water coolers, desktop or floor standing models, a hot water boiler or Instant Taps – we have a wide range.

Not sure what you need? Contact AquAid – we’re happy to help.

graphic credit: Bryan DiSanto

Beat the Heat with Smart Water Planning

Beat the Heat with Smart Water Planning

When the forecast hints at a heatwave, most people think about sunscreen, lighter clothes, or perhaps rearranging plans to avoid the midday sun. But what if you can’t reschedule? What if it’s a school day, or you must be at work in the office, or open the warehouse? Often, the most crucial necessity is overlooked: making sure there’s enough drinking water to go around – and not just assuming someone else will sort it.

Being proactive about water supply isn’t just good common sense; it can make a real difference to comfort, wellbeing and productivity. During hot spells, people naturally drink more – which means water stocks run out faster than usual. If you’re relying on replenishing your water for your bottled water cooler, it’s surprisingly easy to run low right when demand peaks. That can lead to unnecessary stress, discomfort and a scramble to restock when your supplier may already be running short or your scheduled water delivery is weeks away.

Planning ahead helps avoid that. Whether it’s ensuring a delivery of bottled water is booked early, topping up your reusable bottles, or checking that your water dispenser is full and working, small steps make a big difference.

And it’s not just about avoiding thirst. In hotter weather, staying hydrated helps regulate body temperature, maintain energy levels and support concentration – especially in workplaces or shared spaces. If water isn’t easily available, people may end up drinking less than they should, which can lead to light-headedness, fatigue, or even headaches, which are oft symptoms of dehydration.

Whether you’re the smallest two-person operation, a work from homer, a large team, or managing an entire organisation, thinking ahead means making sure everyone has what they need – not just the early birds who get to the water cooler station first. A bit of simple planning also shows care and consideration, whether it’s at home, at an event, or in the office.

So next time the temperature starts to climb, don’t wait for the rush. Make water part of your warm weather prep – and avoid the all-too-common ‘we’ve run out’ moment. A bit of foresight goes a long way when the heat is on.

Of course, if you already have mainsfed water coolers installed, you’re sorted. If you aren’t yet, not to worry, speak to us at AquAid. The great thing is, if a plumbed-in cooler doesn’t match your needs, we offer a wide range of high-quality water dispensers – including chilled, cold only and hot & cold bottle-fed water coolers, water fountains and Instant Taps.