Whether you spend the majority of your time in the office or at home, there are two main options available for hydration, tap water or water dispensers.
The truth is, both methods have their benefits. But knowing how each one works and what might compromise its safety can help you decide what’s best for you.
Is Tap Water Safe in the UK?
In the UK, tap water is strictly regulated, meaning it goes through rigorous filtration and disinfection processes to remove any harmful bacteria and contaminants before arriving at your tap. Millions of tests are conducted each year on water across the UK to ensure safety.
For most homes or workplaces, drinking water from the tap won’t cause any harm. However, there are a few things you should be aware of:
- Old pipework can transfer contaminants into your water
- Treated water contains chemicals such as chlorine which can affect taste and smell.
- Tap water can also contain trace elements such as nitrates, pesticides or microplastics.
While not always harmful, these issues can still affect the quality of your water.
What is a Water Dispenser?
Water Dispensers are designed to provide filtered, chilled and ready to drink water on demand. These units can be connected directly to the mains supply, though you can also buy water dispensers that use bottled water.
Modern water dispensers typically:
- Filter out impurities such as chlorine, sediment, and some heavy metals
- Provide chilled, hot, or ambient water instantly
- Deliver consistent water quality regardless of local plumbing conditions
Water dispensers offer a convenient and controlled way to access drinking water.
Why Can Water Dispensers be Safer?
While the UK has some of the most highly regulated tap water in the world, water dispensers offer an additional layer of protection and control giving people that extra piece of mind.
Better filtration
Most modern water dispensers are able to further purify water at the point of use. By filtering your water once more, you can be confident that you’ll be getting cleaner, better-tasting water.
Reduced risk from plumbing
Your tap water must first travel through your buildings pipework, and if those pipes are old or poorly maintained, they can have a negative effect on tap water.
By installing a water dispenser with its own filters, you minimise the impact of internal plumbing, delivering cleaner water more consistently.
Consistent Quality
Unlike water from the tap, which can vary depending on where you are and the condition of your pipes, water dispensers provide you with the same great tasting water, time after time.
Hygiene and Controlled Pouring
Touch-less or one-touch water dispensers are incredibly hygienic, as there’s no need to repeatedly touch the tap, potentially spreading germs.
Most water dispensers come equipped with sanitary features and regular servicing to ensure your machine stays clean and bacteria-free.
What Are the Downsides?
Of course, there are still precautions to take with your water dispenser. Unlike water from the tap, if your appliance isn’t maintained correctly, then there can be issues, so keep these things in mind:
- Poorly maintained units can develop bacteria over time
- Bottled water systems may introduce storage-related issues if not handled correctly
- Regular servicing is essential to maintain hygiene
But as long as you purchase from a quality provider and commit to regular maintenance, these risks should be minimal.
Tap Water vs Water Dispenser
Tap Water:
- Tap water available in the UK meets strict regulations.
- It’s cheap and readily available to everyone.
- The water quality can vary from house to house depending on the pipework.
Water Dispenser:
- Water dispensers allow you to filter tap water using an internal system.
- They give you more confidence in the water you’re drinking.
- Helps to negate water quality issues from your pipes.
- Perfect for businesses who need access to water frequently.
Which Is Safer to Drink?
It’s fair to say that water straight from the tap is perfectly safe to consume. But if you want to be extra sure of what you’re drinking, water dispensers allow you to filter out any extra toxins and deliver a consistent taste every time.
And the best part? You don’t have to choose. Water dispensers are a great way of making sure you always have great tasting, filtered water straight from your tap.
Elkay Bottle Filling Stations: A Smarter Solution for Workplaces
If you want to go above and beyond with hydration in the workplace, consider installing Elkay bottle filling stations. They're perfect for workplaces, schools, gyms and other many other public spaces, as they allow employees and visitors to easily fill up water bottles with clean drinking water.
One of the standout features of Elkay bottle filling stations is their hands-free, sensor-activated design, allowing users to refill bottles without touching the unit, helping to reduce the spread of germs in shared spaces.
In addition, many models include advanced filtration systems that help reduce contaminants such as lead and chlorine, delivering cleaner and better-tasting water with every refill.
Benefits of Bottle Filling Stations at Work
Elkay bottle filing stations are quickly gaining recognition as the top choice of hydration station in the UK due to the benefits they provide:
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Hydration: Staff can easily top up water bottles with clean water
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Health: Touch free systems are ideal for shared work spaces
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Plastic-free: Fill up reusable bottles and say goodbye to single-use plastics
- Water Quality: Maintain a consistent quality of water with built in filters
They’re also incredibly user-friendly and help promote a tidy, hydrated workspace.
Conclusion
UK tap water is some of the safest in the world, but that doesn’t mean it’ll always taste the best. From ageing pipes to added chlorine to even traces of heavy metals, contaminants can still find their way into your water.
Water dispensers fix that problem by offering cleaner, better tasting and more controlled drinking water.
