Seasons at the Water Cooler – Autumn

Seasons at the Water Cooler – Autumn

As we venture into autumn and winter beckons from afar, it’s perfectly natural to drink water less – often without even realising it. While this seasonal shift is understandable, it’s not always wise. The water content of key organs serves as a reminder of just how important hydration is, no matter the time of year:

  • Skin is composed of 64% water.
  • The brain and heart contain 73% water.
  • Blood plasma is made up of 90% water.
  • Lungs hold 83% water.
  • Muscles and kidneys consist of 79% water.

Insufficient water intake can lead to a range of issues including digestive discomfort, skin dryness, bladder and kidney complications, fatigue and headaches.

Dehydration often occurs before thirst is even felt. That’s why maintaining consistent hydration throughout the day is crucial. One effective habit to adopt is drinking one to two glasses of water shortly after waking – this can raise blood pressure slightly and help reduce morning lethargy. Keeping a glass or bottle of water nearby encourages regular sipping and making regular trips to your water cooler station can serve as a helpful prompt.

For those who prefer warm drinks in colder months, hot water-based drinks are a great choice. However, it’s worth remembering that sugary drinks require a significant amount of water for the body to process the sugar. For regular coffee drinkers, a good rule of thumb is to pair each cup with a glass of water, and ideally, reduce or eliminate added sugars.

Regular water consumption also boosts metabolism and helps create a feeling of fullness. This can support healthier habits during the colder seasons, when it’s tempting to eat more and move less.

Drink (water) well and stay well.

Coffee at the Hot Water Boiler (and Water Dispenser)

Coffee at the Hot Water Boiler (and Water Dispenser)

Is International Coffee Day cause for celebration? We think so. (Though it’s possible your jittery enthusiasm is less ‘cheer’ and more ‘over-caffeinated’.)

Do we rank in the global coffee consumption lists?

No, we do not. Not even close. Luxembourg does. Finland does. As do Norway, Denmark and Sweden.

Okay, but if we are drinking coffee, is it good for us?

Coffee probably makes the modern world go round – and it’s been doing so since it hit the West in the 1600s. But as with all good things, the golden rule applies: everything in moderation.

That morning coffee (ideally after breakfast) is a great way to get going. But if your day is fuelled solely by creamy lattes and sugar-laden cappuccinos, the benefits of coffee can quickly get buried under the calories.

Pro tip: Pair every coffee with a drink of water to stay hydrated. Not only is it great for your body, but your skin and energy levels will thank you too.

A pre-workout coffee? Yes, really.

Many avoid coffee before exercising, thinking it’s too dehydrating. Actually, a cup of coffee before a workout can help boost fat burning, improve endurance, and reduce fatiguejust hold the honey and whipped cream.

It’s what’s inside that counts.

Coffee is packed with flavonoids, powerful antioxidants that help stop LDL cholesterol from oxidising—great news for your heart health. And if you keep it simple (read: black coffee, no sugar), your daily brew clocks in at just 2 calories. Diet-friendly and delicious.

But first … hot water.

No coffee without hot water – which is where we come in. With an AquAid water dispenser, instant hot water boilers, or boiling water taps, getting your perfect cup is effortlessly easy, whether you’re in the office, at home, or anywhere in between.

Even better? Every cup you brew helps support Christian Aid and The Africa Trust, who bring clean drinking water to communities across Africa. So, while you’re sipping your hot coffee, someone else is getting access to safe, life-changing water.

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

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