Hydrogen Cars, Desalination and Water Coolers: The State of Water Today

Hydrogen Cars, Desalination and Water Coolers: The State of Water Today

In 2025, it’s easy to forget that even in the UK, water security is a cause for concern. While globally, around 703 million people still live without access to safe drinking water, the UK isn’t immune to water stress – especially with rising demand and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. According to the Environment Agency, parts of England could run out of water within 20 years if no action is taken.

And it’s not just about drinking water. Sanitation, water infrastructure and waste are big issues too. The average person in the UK uses around 142 litres of water per day, much of it flushed straight down the loo. That’s a lot of clean, treated water quite literally going to waste.

Add in climate change – drier summers, flash floods, and aging reservoirs – and it’s clear that water security isn’t something we can ignore. Thames Water, for instance, has already had to impose hosepipe bans in some areas and regulators have warned that demand could outstrip supply by the mid-2030s.

Cars That Emit Water (And Nothing Else)

Hydrogen-powered vehicles, once seen as futuristic, are now being trialled across the UK. Companies like Toyota and Hyundai have hydrogen models on the road, with the UK government investing over £200 million in low-emission transport and fuelling infrastructure. These cars generate electricity using hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water vapour. They’re still rare compared to electric vehicles, but they’re part of a wider clean transport push.

Desalination in the UK?

While desalination is still more common in arid regions, the UK does have one major plant—the Beckton desalination plant in East London, which can supply up to 150 million litres of drinking water per day during drought conditions. It’s a backup plan more than a daily necessity, but as climate pressures increase, the role of such technology is likely to grow.

When All You Really Need is a Water Cooler

Still, for most of us, there’s no need to filter seawater or retrofit your car with hydrogen cells just to stay hydrated. Keep things simple by replenishing your drinking water from your water cooler or water dispenser. No desalination or hydrogen tanks required – just good‑old refreshing water. If your office supply isn’t hitting the mark, contact AquAid for cool, convenient hydration you can rely on.

Sources

Environment Agency’s water supply warning: from an article at The Times

Hosepipe bans in the Thames Valley: from Thames Water, Homebuilding

£200 million for low‑emission transport and refuelling infrastructure: from transportldp.co.uk, GOV.UK

£500 million for hydrogen network infrastructure: reported by Government Business

Beckton desalination capacity and usage: from Wikipedia, Everything Explained Today

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

Bottled Water, Bladders & Better Health

Bottled Water, Bladders & Better Health

Urology might not be the most talked-about health topic – but perhaps it should be. With half of us likely to face a urology condition in our lifetime, taking care of our urinary health is more important than ever.

Urology Awareness Month, held every September in the UK, helps bring attention to vital organs like the bladder, kidneys and prostate – and how we can keep them healthy with everyday habits.

And yes, one of the easiest ways to show them some love? Drink more water.

Staying hydrated helps these organs do their jobs – whether that’s filtering waste, controlling urine flow, or maintaining overall balance in the body. Dehydration can lead to all sorts of issues, including kidney stones, urinary tract infections and bladder discomfort.

The good news is you can keep an eye on your hydration with one simple clue: your urine colour. A pale, straw-like colour usually means you’re in the clear. Anything darker might mean your body’s asking for more H2O.

That’s where a water dispenser comes in handy. When fresh drinking water is easy to access – whether that’s at the office, workplace, job site, in waiting rooms, shops, fitness centres, schools or public spaces – we’re far more likely to drink enough throughout the day.

So, this month, don’t just raise awareness – raise a glass of water. Your urological system will thank you for it.

source: The Urology Foundation

The Benefits of Choosing an AquAid Water Cooler

The Benefits of Choosing an AquAid Water Cooler

In a market where it often appears that like = like, it’s good to remind ourselves why a water cooler from AquAid is really the best idea. Choosing AquAid brings more than just a constant supply of refreshing drinking water to your premises – it delivers a range of valuable benefits that make a real difference.

Refreshment On Tap

With any AquAid water cooler installed, you and your team have access to fresh, chilled (and hot) drinking water throughout the working day – helping everyone stay hydrated, alert and productive.

Decades of Expertise

AquAid brings over 25 years’ experience in supplying top-quality water coolers and related products. That expertise means reliable service, knowledgeable support and equipment you can trust.

Local Service, National Reach

With 22+ branches across the UK, you’ll be supported by a local team who understands your area and your needs. This ensures prompt delivery, responsive service and a personal approach.

A Greener Approach

We’re committed to reducing our environmental impact. Local deliveries mean lower emissions and our bottles are reused up to 35 times before being responsibly recycled. Even our cups are made from a single plastic type for easier recycling – and we actively encourage our customers to recycle too.

Water for You, Water for Others

Every AquAid water cooler directly supports clean water projects in Africa. In partnership with Christian Aid and The Africa Trust, we’ve donated over £23 million so far, bringing safe, sustainable water to more than four million people.

Value-added Extras

  • 100 free refillable bottles for schools with every mains-fed cooler installed
  • Hydration awareness posters to support healthy drinking habits at work and in schools

Choosing AquAid means more than just staying refreshed – it’s hydration with heart, backed by service you can count on.

Prosecco & Pinot Noir at the Water Cooler

Prosecco & Pinot Noir at the Water Cooler

August is shaping up to be a rather refined month, having recently brought us two excellent reasons to raise a glass – National Prosecco Day and National Pinot Noir Day. Whether you’re a fan of sparkling celebrations or prefer a silky red, there’s no denying that wine lovers have had plenty to toast to. But before you get too carried away with the cork-popping and swirling, let’s take a moment to appreciate the unsung hero behind every great glass: water.

Yes, that humble H₂O from your water cooler plays a bigger role than you might think. Grapes, after all, need a good drink too – as do you. From vineyard to bottle, water is essential in the winemaking process, nurturing the vines and keeping those precious grapes plump and juicy. Without it, there’d be no Pinot, no Prosecco … and frankly, no fun.

Now, while we admire the idea of having a glass of fizz on tap, we strongly advise against repurposing your water cooler as a wine dispenser. It’s not that we haven’t thought about it – we have – but it turns out wine and water coolers just aren’t a great match (something about internal mechanics, hygiene and common sense).

What role does a water cooler play with wine?

What is a good idea, though, is keeping hydrated if you’re partaking in any wine-themed festivities. With the UK recently doing its best Mediterranean impression, alternating each glass of Prosecco or Pinot Noir with a glass of chilled water isn’t just sensible – it’s practically celebratory. Your head (and possibly those you work with) will thank you the next day.

So, whether you’re sipping something sparkling or savouring a smooth red, don’t forget to also replenish your water from your trusty water cooler. It might not be as glamorous as a vineyard in Veneto or Burgundy, but it’ll help you stay balanced, bright-eyed and ready for whatever tomorrow brings – even if that’s just another Monday.