by Fern Shaw | Jul 30, 2025 | Health and Hydration, water cooler, Water Coolers
Staying properly hydrated ensures that all of your bodily functions are … well … functioning. You can only go three days or so without water, and as your body loses its hydration, you will experience all kinds of awful side effects. Dehydration can cause irritability, lethargy, dangerously low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, headaches, shock, and even death.
The average adult can usually maintain proper levels of hydration by drinking enough water. That being said, extreme heat or exertion can be draining on even a healthy adult. Kids and the elderly are more susceptible to extreme dehydration than the average adult … so if you have kids or older adults in your life that are important to you, the tips outlined below can be especially important for them (and for you!)
- Pick the right water.
As a general rule, try to avoid hydrating beverages that have added sugar. In addition to having fewer calories, it’s important to choose hydrating beverages that don’t have sugar in order to prevent spikes in insulin levels. Going into a sugar crash compounded with the already-unpleasant sensation of dehydration is not the way to go. Plus, if you happen to be sick with diarrhoea during a hot summer day, sugary beverages can actually worsen your symptoms.
- Snack on the right foods.
Fresh veggies and fruits are good snacks this time of year, and not just for dieters. Fresh produce has a very high water content, so it’s a great way to hydrate without having to drink a ton of water. For example, an apple is up to 85% of water by volume.
Pickles (and pickle juice) are higher in electrolytes than beverages like Liquid Power or Powerade, and have been shown to reduce cramping cause by exertion in high temperatures. The acetic acid in pickles and pickle juice are considered superior to the citric acid found in commercial sports drinks, at least when it comes to rehydration properties.
Another food you should add into your diet when staying properly hydrated is a concern are chia seeds. In addition to being high in protein, the seeds themselves help you to retain water by absorbing many times their own weight in water. If you can’t find the actual seeds, you may be able to find a chia seed gel at runner’s/sporting goods or health food shops.
- Drink constantly, not occasionally.
You should be constantly drinking fluids, rather than guzzling multiple litres of water all at once.
Another way to explain this (in a rather radical comparison) is when you go to the hospital and get an IV drip, it’s a DRIP … meaning that you get a slow but steady introduction of fluids. You never see anyone getting an IV drip at the speed of a gushing fire hose.
It is better to have frequent, small amounts of fluid … especially if the dehydration is severe. Too many fluids at once can induce stomach upset or vomiting.
The amount of water you need in a given day depends on the environment, your activity level, and what other food and drink you have consumed.
Break up that amount of water into a cup or so every hour, and you’ll have a good, healthy intake of water. Drinking too much water in a very short period of time can put too much strain on your eliminatory processes, so finding the right balance is important.
- Avoid diuretic behaviours.
Don’t do anything that you know will dehydrate you. In addition to exercise, also watch out for alcohol and caffeine. You might feel groggy when you get to the office … avoid your usual The Hulk sized mugs of coffee and go for a large glass of water. You might be surprised at how much more effectively the water perks you up.
- Make it easy on yourself.
It’s hard to stay hydrated when you don’t have water nearby. At the office it should be easier – and practically impossible to avoid if you have a water cooler on the premises.
If you don’t, speak to the powers-that-be and ask them to drop AquAid a line, so that you get your water cooler tout suite.
Chia!
by Fern Shaw | Jul 21, 2025 | water cooler, Water Coolers
It’s quite fitting – smack‑dab in the middle of summer, when hot weather makes easy access to refreshing water more vital than ever – that we have some incredible news to share.
As of June, thanks to the dedication and hard work of everyone at AquAid – and the fantastic support from our amazing customers – we have officially surpassed the milestone of over £23 million donated to charity.
AquAid, as one of the UK’s leading water dispensers and bottled‑water suppliers, serving more than 40,000 customers, could not have reached this landmark without you.
But the real value here is that figures only tell half the story. Here are a few examples of what that £23 million has achieved:
- 2 million people across thousands of communities now have safe, reliable source of water for drinking and productive use.
- Gravity‑fed pipelines in Tanzania, funded by AquAid and installed by our partner charities, supply clean water to tens of thousands.
- Irrigation systems and pump‑upgraded wells in Ethiopia and Malawi that help boost food security. These upgraded methods of irrigation and access to water resources save time, energy and effort when producing food for consumption and crops for markets.
- Over 10,000 Elephant Pumps built in Liberia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and beyond, easy to repair locally and serving millions.
Every project we have supported continues to deliver a sustainable water resource for decades. We could not be prouder, nor more grateful, to everyone at AquAid, for the tireless efforts of the charities we support and to our customers for making this possible.
Here’s to staying refreshed, replenishing your water at your AquAid water coolers and making a lasting difference – together.
by Fern Shaw | Jul 2, 2025 | water cooler, Water Coolers, water dispenser
It’s more important than ever to stay on top of your hydration during a heatwave. Hot weather puts extra strain on our bodies and even mild dehydration can quickly leave you feeling sluggish, dizzy or unwell. The simple fix? Up your water intake – stat!
It’s easy to underestimate how much you need to drink, especially if you’re not moving much or don’t feel thirsty. But good hydration habits aren’t just about comfort; they’re about staying well. Keep a bottle of water nearby, remember to refill your water glass and visit your water dispenser often and try to balance teas, coffees or fizzy drinks with extra water too. If you’re sweating more than usual, consider drinks that contain electrolytes to help replenish what’s lost.
But it’s not just about us. Heat affects everyone – so take a moment to check in on children, older relatives or neighbours and those with health conditions who might struggle in the heat. A quick call, a glass of water, a bit of shade – small things can make a big difference.
And don’t forget the animals. Pets can overheat fast and need cool, shaded and well-ventilated spaces and fresh water at all times. Wildlife, too, needs a hand. A shallow dish of water left out for birds, bees, hedgehogs or even a passing deer can be lifesaving.
In short, stay cool, drink water often, and look out for one another – human or otherwise.
by Fern Shaw | Jun 25, 2025 | water cooler, Water Coolers
When the sun’s out and temperatures soar, it’s easy to remember the usual advice: drink more water. But beyond the typical reminders about avoiding heatstroke or staying energised, there are a few lesser-known -but just as important – reasons to stay properly hydrated in hot weather.
For starters, hydration plays a surprisingly big role in mood and cognitive function. Even mild dehydration can increase feelings of irritability, brain fog, and fatigue – not ideal when you’re trying to focus at work or get through a busy day. And if you’re outdoors, it’s even more crucial; the body must work harder to keep cool, which means it’s losing fluids faster than usual.
Another overlooked factor? Skin health. In the heat, we sweat more and if we’re not replenishing that loss, skin can become dry and more prone to breakouts or sensitivity. Water helps maintain the skin’s elasticity and flush out toxins, giving it a better chance to stay balanced even in hot, sweaty conditions.
Then there’s the knock-on effect on digestion. Heat can slow down your appetite, but proper hydration supports healthy digestive function – especially when our eating habits shift with the weather. From preventing bloating to helping nutrients absorb properly, water plays a vital – yet often overlooked – role in keeping everything running smoothly.
All of this points to the value of having a water cooler nearby – whether it’s in the office, a shared building space or even placing a free standing water fountain outdoors. A visible, easy-access water dispenser subtly encourages everyone to drink more, just by being there. It’s a small but smart investment that keeps hydration front of mind and bodies functioning at their best.
So, while drinking more water in hot weather might sound obvious, the reasons go deeper than just avoiding dehydration. Simply installing a water cooler can help make the difference – from clearer thinking and better skin to keeping our digestive system healthy and our mood in check.
by Fern Shaw | Jun 23, 2025 | mains fed water cooler, water cooler, Water Coolers
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.
by Fern Shaw | Jun 10, 2025 | mains fed water cooler, water cooler, Water Coolers
In an age where information flows at breakneck speed, it can be a little overwhelming. Which is why a simple set of illustrative facts, whittling down what may seem like a never-ending word onslaught can offer us both clarity and a little respite.
Hopefully, these few facts will aid you when making your decision about which water cooler is the correct choice for your organisation or establishment.
Experience
AquAid brings over 22 years of expertise in supplying high-quality water dispensers. This extensive experience ensures a deep understanding of customer needs and consistently high standards of service and product reliability.
National Efficiency, Local Service
AquAid combines the efficiency and infrastructure of a national provider with the personalised, hands-on approach of a local business. This unique model allows us to deliver fast, responsive service while maintaining a close connection to our customers.
Nationwide Presence
With 23 branches across the UK, AquAid is never far away. Our widespread network ensures that your water dispenser needs are met promptly and efficiently, no matter your location.
A Business with Purpose
Since our humble beginnings 27 years ago, AquAid has consistently supported charitable causes. Our commitment to going beyond business is central to our identity and it continues to shape how we operate today.
Philanthropic Impact
Through ongoing donations, AquAid has contributed over £22 million to charity. These funds have enabled the development of sustainable, safe water projects that have benefited more than four million people.
Reducing Environmental Impact
Our water is sourced from three distinct locations across the UK. By minimising transportation distances, we reduce emissions and lower our carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable supply chain.
A Wide Range of Water Dispensers
We offer an extensive selection of water coolers, including both bottled and mains-fed options. Wherever feasible, we advocate for mains connected water coolers, as they significantly reduce reliance on single-use water bottles.
