Bottle filling station cost in the UK starts at about £1,090 + VAT for a simple wall-mounted unit and goes past £5,000 + VAT for outdoor and bi-level models. That is the price of the unit alone. Installation, filters and servicing all add to the real figure you need to budget for.
This guide uses the prices on our own website, so you can see what you would actually pay. We also explain what pushes the price up or down, what it costs to run a unit for a year, and how to get an accurate quote for your building.
Key takeaways
- Elkay bottle filling stations start at £1,090.38 + VAT. Most indoor filtered and chilled units sit between £1,300 and £2,800 + VAT.
- Outdoor and bi-level stations cost the most, at roughly £3,000 to £6,000 + VAT.
- Installation is quoted after a site survey because it depends on your water supply, drainage, power and wall.
- Running costs are low. Water plus a genuine Elkay filter works out at under 1p per 500ml bottle.
- Filters should be changed every 3,000 US gallons (11,356 litres) or once a year, whichever comes first.
- Service plans keep the unit clean, safe and working, and can bundle in filter changes.
In this guide
- Bottle filling station cost at a glance
- What affects bottle filling station cost?
- Elkay bottle filling station prices in 2026
- Bottle filling station installation cost
- Running costs: water, filters and power
- Servicing and maintenance plans
- UK rules that shape what you buy
- How to budget for a bottle filling station, step by step
- Is the cost of a bottle filling station worth it?
- Bottle filling station cost FAQs
- Get a bottle filling station quote
Bottle Filling Station Cost at a Glance
The quickest way to understand bottle filling station cost is to look at the type of unit. The table below groups our range by type. All prices are ex VAT and taken from our website in October 2026.
| Type of unit | Price range (ex VAT) | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical or non-filtered surface mount | £1,090 to £1,320 | Corridors, changing rooms, tight budgets |
| Filtered surface mount (ambient) | About £1,380 | Offices and schools that want better taste |
| Built-in and in-wall dispensers | £1,390 to £2,730 | New builds, refurbs, a flush finish |
| Filtered and chilled units | £2,200 to £2,800 | Busy offices, gyms, healthcare |
| Refill hubs and eco dispensers | From £3,620 to £5,030 | Branded refill points, campuses, venues |
| Outdoor and bi-level stations | £3,040 to £5,950 | Parks, playgrounds, sports grounds, transport hubs |
VAT at 20% is added on top. Many schools, councils and businesses can reclaim it, so check with your finance team before you compare prices.
What Affects Bottle Filling Station Cost?
Two units can look the same on a wall and still be £1,500 apart. Here is what makes the difference.
Filtered or Non-Filtered
A filter improves taste and smell and reduces things like lead and sediment. It adds to the price of the unit and to running costs, because filters need changing. Non-filtered units cost less and need less upkeep, which is why they are common outdoors.
Chilled or Ambient Water
A chiller adds the biggest jump in price. Chilled water is popular in gyms and offices, but it needs a power supply and uses some electricity. Ambient units are cheaper to buy and run.
Surface Mount, In-Wall or Freestanding
Surface mount units fix to the face of a wall and are usually the cheapest to fit. In-wall and built-in units sit flush, which looks neat but may need a recess or a stud wall. Freestanding and pedestal units need a floor connection.
Indoor or Outdoor
Outdoor stations are built to cope with weather and heavy use. They cost more, and outdoor sites often need longer pipe runs or groundwork. Our outdoor installation guide covers this in more detail.
Hands-Free Sensors and Extra Features
Sensor-activated filling, bottle counters, filter status lights, a drinking fountain on the same unit and a lower bowl for wheelchair users all add value. They also add to the price. Pick the features your users will actually use.
Elkay Bottle Filling Station Prices in 2026
Here are real prices for popular models from our bottle filling station range. This gives you a solid starting point for bottle filling station cost before installation.
| Model | What it is | Price (ex VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Elkay EZH2O Mechanical Surface Mount (EMASMB) | Push-button, no power needed | £1,090.38 |
| Elkay EZH2O Surface Mount, non-filtered (EZWSSMJO) | Ambient, slim wall unit | £1,317.48 |
| Elkay EZH2O Filtered Surface Mount (LZWSSMJO) | Ambient with filter | £1,377.03 |
| Liv EZ Mechanical Built-in (LBWDM0BKBC) | Built-in, filtered | £1,393.56 |
| Elkay EZH2O Liv Pro Built-in | Built-in, filtered, chilled option | From £1,834.56 |
| Elkay EZH2O with Single Cooler (LMABF8WSS2KN) | Filtered, chilled, with fountain | £2,199.50 |
| Elkay EZH2O Hands Free (LZO8WSS2KN) | Sensor fill, filtered, chilled | £2,722.08 |
| Elkay EZH2O In-Wall (LZWSM82K) | Recessed, flush finish | £2,724.75 |
| Elkay Outdoor Single Arm (LK4405BFEVG) | Outdoor wall mount | From £3,039.75 |
| Elkay Outdoor Pedestal (LK4400BFEVGWR) | Outdoor freestanding | From £3,632.75 |
| Elkay EZH2O Bi-Level (LZOOTL8WSS2KN) | Two heights, filtered, chilled | £5,244.75 |
Prices change from time to time, so always check the product page or ask us for a quote. If you are an architect, contractor or M&E consultant, our Specify Elkay team can help with product data and specification wording. Trade buyers can also visit our trade page.
Bottle Filling Station Installation Cost
Installation is the part of bottle filling station cost that varies most. That is why we price it after a site survey rather than guessing. Two sites with the same unit can need very different work.
What a Site Survey Checks
During a survey we look at:
- Where the nearest mains water supply is
- Drainage options close to the chosen spot
- Whether there is a power supply nearby for chilled or sensor units
- The wall type, and whether it can take the unit or needs a stud wall
- Footfall, access and accessibility for all users
Permanent or Temporary Installation
A permanent installation makes the unit part of the building. It suits schools, offices, gyms and public buildings that need water every day. A temporary refill solution suits events, refurbishments and building works, and we can remove it when the job is done.
Things That Add to Installation Cost
- Long pipe runs from the water supply or to a drain
- A new electrical spur for a chiller or sensor
- Building a stud wall or recess for an in-wall unit
- Groundwork for outdoor pedestals, such as a direct bury adaptor
- Working out of hours in a busy school or office
- Replacing and removing an old drinking fountain
Want a fixed price for your site? Call us on 0333 335 6908 or email support@waterrefillgroup.com to book a free site suitability check.
Running Costs: Water, Filters and Power
Once a unit is in, the ongoing bottle filling station cost is small. It comes down to three things.
Water From the Mains
Mains water is cheap. As an example, Thames Water's 2026 to 2027 metered household rates are £2.7346 per cubic metre for clean water and £1.4721 for wastewater. That is about 0.42p per litre. Business rates vary by retailer and region, but the cost stays tiny.
Replacement Filters
Elkay says its WaterSentry Plus filter should be replaced every 3,000 US gallons (11,356 litres) or one year after installation, whichever comes first. A genuine Elkay WaterSentry filter costs £94.95 + VAT, or about £87.33 each in a 12-pack. That works out at under 1p per litre. Read how often to change an Elkay filter for more.
Electricity for Chilled Units
Chilled and sensor units need power. Mechanical and ambient units, like the EMASMB, need little or none. If running costs matter most, ask us for the spec sheet of the models you are comparing.
Worked Example
Here is a simple example for a filtered, ambient unit in a building with 200 people, where each person fills one 500ml bottle every working day.
| Item | Working | Yearly cost (ex VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Water used | 200 people x 0.5 litres x 230 days = 23,000 litres | About £97 |
| Filters | 23,000 litres needs 3 filters at £94.95 | £284.85 |
| Total | 46,000 bottle fills | About £382, or under 1p per fill |
Servicing and any electricity are on top of this. Even so, it is a fraction of the cost of buying bottled water.
Servicing and Maintenance Plans
Regular servicing protects your investment and keeps the water clean. We recommend a service every 6 to 12 months, depending on use. Busy sites should aim for twice a year. Service plans are available in the UK only.
| Plan | Covers | Filter changes | Parts and labour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Service Plan | Indoor range only, with live monitoring | Changed when usage data says it is needed | Included |
| Gold Plan | All products | 2 per year | Included (excluding major components such as compressors) |
| Silver Plan | All products | 1 per year | Labour included, parts billed separately |
Every plan includes system sanitisation, safety and system inspection, and genuine Elkay parts and filters. See our service and maintenance page for a quote, or browse genuine Elkay parts if you maintain units in-house.
UK Rules That Shape What You Buy
The law does not tell you which unit to buy. It does set a baseline that affects how many units you need and where they go.
Workplaces
Under Regulation 22 of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, employers must provide an adequate supply of wholesome drinking water for everyone at work. It must be easy to reach at suitable places. Cups must also be provided, unless the water comes as a jet people can drink from easily. Browse our bottle filling stations for workplaces.
Schools
Government guidance on school food in England says drinking water must be provided free of charge at all times on school premises. A bottle filler in each main area makes that easy to meet. See our bottle filling stations for schools.
Healthcare, Gyms and Public Spaces
Hygiene and heavy use matter most here. Touch-free units cut contact points, and fast flow keeps queues short. Compare our healthcare range, gym range and outdoor bottle filling stations.
WRAS and Water Fittings
Anything connected to the mains must meet the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 in England and Wales. These rules aim to stop waste, misuse and contamination of drinking water. WRAS approval is a common way to show a product meets them. Our indoor units are manufactured using WRAS-approved components. Learn more in our guide to WRAS approved water solutions.
How to Budget for a Bottle Filling Station, Step by Step
Follow these steps to get a realistic bottle filling station cost for your building.
- Count your users. Work out how many people use each area every day. This tells you how many units you need and how fast filters will run out.
- Choose your locations. Pick busy spots near existing water and drainage, such as corridors, canteens and changing rooms.
- Decide on features. Choose filtered or non-filtered, chilled or ambient, and whether you need hands-free use or a lower fountain.
- Shortlist models. Use the price table above or our indoor range to find two or three options.
- Book a site survey. We check supply, drainage, power and walls, then give you a fixed installation price.
- Add running costs. Budget for water, filters and any electricity for at least three years.
- Pick a service plan. Choose Smart, Gold or Silver based on how busy the unit will be.
- Compare against bottled water. Set your total against what you spend now on bottles or cooler deliveries.
Is the Cost of a Bottle Filling Station Worth It?
For most sites, yes. The upfront price is higher than a bottled water cooler, but running costs are much lower and there are no deliveries to manage. You also cut plastic waste and give people easy access to clean water.
We go into the full case in our article are water bottle filling stations worth it? If you are still choosing a type, read how to choose the right bottle filling station or why choose Elkay.
Bottle Filling Station Cost FAQs
How much does a bottle filling station cost in the UK?
Elkay bottle filling stations start at £1,090.38 + VAT for a mechanical surface mount unit. Most indoor filtered or chilled models cost £1,300 to £2,800 + VAT. Outdoor and bi-level units cost about £3,000 to £6,000 + VAT. Installation is extra.
How much does it cost to install a bottle filling station?
It depends on your site. The distance to water and drainage, the need for power, the wall type and any groundwork all change the price. We give a fixed installation price after a free site suitability check.
Does bottle filling station cost include VAT?
Prices on our website are shown ex VAT with the inc VAT price alongside. VAT is charged at 20%. Many businesses, schools and public bodies can reclaim it.
What are the running costs of a bottle filling station?
Running costs are low. Mains water costs well under 1p per litre, and a genuine Elkay filter adds under 1p per litre. Chilled units also use some electricity. In our example, a busy unit costs about £382 a year in water and filters.
How often do filters need changing?
Elkay WaterSentry Plus filters should be changed every 3,000 US gallons (11,356 litres) or one year after installation, whichever comes first. Busy units may need two or more changes a year.
Why do outdoor bottle filling stations cost more?
Outdoor units are built to handle weather and heavy use, so they cost more to make. Outdoor sites also tend to need longer pipe runs, groundwork and drainage, which adds to the installation price.
Is a chilled bottle filling station worth the extra cost?
It is in places where people expect cold water, such as gyms, offices and warm sites. If budget or running costs matter more, a filtered ambient unit is a good choice.
Can I rent a bottle filling station instead of buying one?
For short-term needs, such as events or building works, we offer temporary refill solutions with installation and removal. For long-term use, buying usually works out cheaper. Talk to our team about the best option.
Do bottle filling stations need to be WRAS approved?
Fittings connected to the mains must meet the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. WRAS approval is not the only route, but it is the most common way to show a product complies. Our indoor units use WRAS-approved components.
Get a Bottle Filling Station Quote
Every building is different, so the best way to pin down your bottle filling station cost is a quick chat and a free site suitability check. As Elkay's exclusive UK and EU distributor, we supply, install and service units nationwide, with genuine parts and filters.
Call us on 0333 335 6908, email support@waterrefillgroup.com or use our contact form. Our team is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
