by Fern Shaw | Mar 30, 2026 | bottle fed water coolers, mains fed water cooler, water cooler, Water Coolers, water dispenser
March also brought World Hearing Day – a reminder that our ears do far more than help us hear. They also play a key role in balance, coordination and how we experience the world around us.
At AquAid, we know hydration is about more than simply quenching thirst. In this series, we look at how drinking enough water supports different organs in the body — and how easy access to drinking water through a water cooler can help people stay properly hydrated throughout the day.
This article forms part of AquAid’s Water Cooler Guide to Health series.
While it’s not always obvious, your ears rely on fluid to function properly. Staying hydrated helps support that balance and keeps things working as they should.
How Your Ears Work
Deep within the ear are small, fluid-filled structures that help convert sound into signals the brain can understand. These same structures also help regulate balance.
For this system to work effectively, the fluid inside the inner ear needs to remain stable. Even small changes can affect how sound is processed or how steady you feel. (hearinglosstoolkit.org)
That’s where hydration plays a role – helping the body maintain the right conditions for these processes to run smoothly.
How Hydration Makes a Difference
Water supports the balance of fluids within the inner ear, which is essential for both hearing and equilibrium. When hydration levels dip, that balance can shift slightly. (hearingsociety.org)
In some cases, this may contribute to sensations such as:
- light-headedness or dizziness
- ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- a feeling of pressure
Hydration also supports the soft tissues and protective lining within the ear, helping them function as a barrier against irritation. (professionalaudiology.com)
Alongside hydration, it’s worth considering how we listen day to day. Regular use of headphones or keeping devices close to the ears – particularly at higher volumes – can place added strain on hearing over time. Taking short breaks and keeping volume at a comfortable level can help support long-term ear health.
In busy environments it’s easy to overlook regular drinking. Having water to drink readily available from a bottled water cooler or mains fed water coolers makes it easier to keep hydration steady.
Signs You Might Need More Water
Hydration needs vary but a few simple cues can help guide you. Feeling slightly dizzy, fatigued or experiencing a dry mouth can all point to low fluid intake.
As with other aspects of health, small, consistent habits tend to work best – sipping water regularly rather than going long periods without it.
Drinking Water Daily
Making drinking water accessible isn’t just a nice idea – it supports steady hydration when people are busy or focused. High-traffic water coolers and modern water dispensers offer refreshing drinking water which encourages regular drinking without interrupting the flow of the day.
Whether it’s a short break, a quick pause between tasks, or a moment to reset, these small opportunities to drink water help keep your system – including your ears – functioning smoothly.
Ear ‘Ear
Your ears rely on a delicate balance of fluid to support both hearing and stability. Drinking enough water helps maintain that balance and supports everyday comfort.
With modern listening habits playing a bigger role in how we use our ears, it’s worth pairing good hydration with simple awareness – keeping volume at sensible levels and giving your ears the occasional break.
Easy access to fresh drinking water makes it simpler to stay topped up – helping you feel steady, focused and ready for whatever the day brings.
by Fern Shaw | Mar 23, 2026 | water cooler, Water Coolers
There are milestones that mark progress. Then there are those that clearly illustrate who you, as an organisation, really are.
As of February 2026, AquAid has donated over £24 million to charity.
It’s a figure we’re incredibly proud of – but like all meaningful numbers, it only tells part of the story.
Because from the very beginning, AquAid Water Coolers was built on a simple idea: that everyday business can do more. Since 1998, a portion of our revenue has gone directly towards charitable work, supporting long-term water projects and community development through partners including The Africa Trust and Christian Aid. (AquAid UK)
In practical terms, this has meant thousands of Elephant Pumps installed in communities where access to clean water cannot be taken for granted. These are not short-term fixes. They are designed to last for decades, maintained locally and used daily by families, schools and small businesses. (AquAid UK)
Over time, the numbers have grown – millions of people now have access to safe water as a direct result of this approach. (DOC Cleaning)
But what has remained constant is how those results are achieved.
Every water cooler installed. Every bottled water delivered. Every refill. Each one contributes to something far beyond the workplace. It’s a model where doing business and giving are not separate ideas – they are the same.
And that’s why this £24 million milestone is worth pausing on.
Not just as a moment to reflect on what’s been achieved so far but as a reminder of what continues to be possible when customers, colleagues and charity partners contribute together towards the greater good.
In the next blogs in this series, we’ll take a closer look at where this support goes – exploring the projects on the ground and the longer-term outcomes they help to create.
For now, this is simply a thank you.
To every customer who chooses AquAid and in doing so, have chosen to be part of something bigger.
by Fern Shaw | Mar 23, 2026 | bottle fed water coolers, mains fed water cooler, water cooler, Water Coolers
In this second instalment of our healthy, water-rich food series, we turn to the leafy green end of the spectrum. Spinach has long been associated with strength and stamina and it earns that reputation.
As with the rest of this series, the focus is on simple foods that support healthier routines without overcomplicating things. While fresh produce can contribute to overall fluid intake, it works best alongside consistent access to drinking water – whether that’s from reliable mains fed water coolers in the office or workspace, or a bottled water cooler at a temporary location or work site. Healthy food and good hydration remain simple habits and often the easiest to stick to.
Spinach contains iron, folate and vitamin K, along with a surprisingly high-water content. It’s nutrient-dense without being heavy, which makes it particularly useful at lunchtime when energy levels can dip.
It’s also versatile. Enjoy it as a salad base, wrap it up, blend it into a smoothie, or stir it through eggs, soups and stews. It wilts quickly and blends easily, making it one of the simplest nutritional upgrades you can add to everyday meals with minimal prep.
With its combination of fibre, essential nutrients and water content, spinach contributes modestly to hydration while helping you feel satisfied. As ever, leafy greens complement hydration rather than replace it. A balanced meal that includes spinach, paired with regular refills of drinking water, is a steady and practical way to maintain energy levels wherever you are – day or night.
by Fern Shaw | Mar 11, 2026 | mains fed water cooler, water cooler, Water Coolers
March marks World Kidney Day – a global health awareness day that draws attention to the vital role our kidneys play in everyday health.
At AquAid, we know hydration is about more than simply quenching thirst. In this series, we look at how drinking enough water supports different organs in the body – and why having easy access to drinking water through a water cooler can help people stay properly hydrated throughout the day.
This article forms part of AquAid’s Water Cooler Guide to Health series.
Your kidneys sit at the centre of that process. Acting as the body’s filtration system, they remove waste from the blood, regulate fluid levels and help maintain the body’s internal balance. Drinking enough water supports these processes and helps the system run smoothly.
Why Hydration Makes a Difference
When the body has enough fluid available, the kidneys can flush waste products through the system more easily. Water helps dissolve and carry waste away from the bloodstream while keeping urine diluted.
This dilution is important. When urine becomes too concentrated, minerals can begin to clump together and form kidney stones. Regular water intake reduces that likelihood and also supports urinary tract health by encouraging consistent flushing of bacteria from the system.
In the middle of a busy day, though, drinking water can easily slip down the priority list. Meetings, deadlines or physically active environments such as work sites, sports facilities or educational campuses can all make it easy to overlook hydration.
That’s where simple access helps. Having chilled drinking water readily available from a bottled water cooler or one of our mains fed water coolers makes it easier to pause, refill and keep hydration ticking along steadily.
Signs Your Kidneys Might Need More Water
Because fluid needs vary from person to person, one of the easiest ways to gauge hydration is urine colour. Pale straw-coloured urine usually suggests good hydration, while darker yellow can be a sign it’s time to drink more water.
Other everyday clues can include tiredness, headache or dry mouth – gentle reminders that a quick refill may be due.
Hydration and the Workplace
Making drinking water accessible isn’t just a nice idea – it supports sustained hydration when people are busy or desk-bound. High-traffic water coolers and modern water dispensers offer clean, cool water that encourages regular drinking without interrupting the flow of the day.
Whether it’s a short break, a conversation by the cooler, or a quiet moment at your desk, these small pauses to drink water help keep your system – including your kidneys – functioning smoothly.
A Final Sip
Kidneys do essential work every minute of every day. Supporting them with enough water – and making that water easy to drink – is a simple step that benefits your whole body.
So, this World Kidney Day and beyond, make hydration part of your daily rhythm. And if you haven’t already, consider how the presence of a good quality water cooler or water dispenser in your environment can help encourage better drinking habits – one refill at a time.
by Fern Shaw | Mar 9, 2026 | water boiler, Water Boilers, water cooler, Water Coolers, water dispenser
Building on a previous instalment from 2016, we leap forward to 2024 to find out how the British appetite has evolved over the last eight years. While the original 1970s data gave us a baseline, the recent shift from 2016 to today reveals a nation rapidly refining its palate and its priorities.
According to the latest Family Food data released by Defra, our plates tell a story of convenience, health-consciousness and a complete reimagining of the British staple.
Beyond the Pint of White
In our 2016 update skimmed milk had overtaken whole-fat. Fast forward to 2024 and the traditional dairy pint is in a steeper decline than ever. It’s no longer just about the fat content; we are now a nation of dairy alternatives. Oat, almond and soy variants have moved from niche health shop finds to fridge essentials, reflecting a broader shift toward plant-based living.
The Air Fryer Revolution
In 2016, we were buying three times more chips than in the seventies. Today, that trend continues but the cooking method has been disrupted. The meteoric rise of the air fryer since our last blog means we are still enjoying our chips, but they are increasingly prepared in a way that is healthier and quicker. The deep-fat fryer is being banished in favour of modern tech.
The Great Hydration Shift
One of the most telling changes since 2016 isn’t just what we eat, but what we choose to wash it down with. While many still swear by a proper brew, tea purchases have continued their steady slide as coffee – particularly filter coffee – is on the increase. Overall, however, there has been a significant move away from constant heavy caffeine hits in favour of pure, refreshing water.
Whether it is the ubiquity of the office water cooler or the rise of the reusable bottle, drinking water has become the ultimate lifestyle choice. The water dispenser has become the new social hub of the workplace, as we have realised that staying hydrated is the simplest productivity hack available.
A Globalised Pantry
The ‘Italianisation’ we noted previously has expanded into a truly global pantry. While tinned peas and meat paste are firmly relics of the past, our baskets are now filled with avocados, sweet potatoes and haloumi. Since 2016, these items have moved from trendy extras to weekly necessities.
So, where does that leave us? We are eating less beef, more chicken, more fresh fruit and significantly more ready-to-eat salads. The British public is striking a balance: the convenience of a quick meal accompanied by a water bottle refill from the water cooler and a side of fresh greens.
Of course, I’m still dispensing piping hot water from the office hot water boiler to make my endless mugs of tea. However, in an effort to keep up with these more health-conscious habits, I might just try to cut back on how many biscuits I dunk.
