Water Coolers vs Drinking Fountains: Which is best for your business?

Keeping your workforce hydrated is essential to keeping energy levels and productivity high. But how is it best to keep employees hydrated throughout the day? A water cooler or drinking fountain.

With a wide range of factors to consider, such as space, maintenance, and the number of users, businesses need to find a practical and efficient solution.

Here, we hope to simplify the decision process by breaking down the key benefits and drawbacks of water coolers and drinking fountains, helping you identify the most suitable choice for your business.

By the end, we hope you’ll have a clear understanding of which option best suits your workspace needs, user volume and budget.

What is a water cooler?

A water cooler is a unit that dispenses clean, chilled water. Easy to use and simplistic in design, it’s a popular choice for easy access to water.

Typically, there are two types:

Bottled water coolers: These models come with replaceable water bottles, allowing them to typically be installed anywhere.
Mains-fed water coolers: These are connected directly to the water supply and have built-in filters to improve the water quality.

Water coolers use internal chillers to maintain the water at a cool temperature. Filters, especially in main-fed models, can help remove impurities and improve taste.

What is a drinking fountain?

Drinking fountains, also known as water fountains, can usually be found in public spaces and office buildings. They’re installed directly onto the plumbing, giving an uninterrupted flow of water. Drinking fountains are a great choice for high-traffic areas where many people need access to water throughout the day.

Types of drinking fountains:

Wall-mounted fountains: Fixed to the walls, these units are space-efficient.
Floor-standing fountains: Freestanding models which can give additional water pressure and durability.
Bottle-filling stations: A modern update on the classic design, these stations are designed for filling water bottles rather than for direct drinking.

Key considerations to make

When you’re making a decision of installing either a water cooler or drinking fountain, these are some of the factors you should consider:

Foot traffic and accessibility

A drinking fountain with its high capacity may be ideal for large office settings with many employees or visitors. However, water coolers may provide a more personalised solution in smaller office settings where only a few people need access.

Water quality and filtration

While some drinking fountains can have filtration systems, it’s not something that is widely used. Therefore, if you’re after high-quality filtered water, a water cooler is probably the best choice.

Initial and maintenance costs

Both water coolers and drinking fountains require maintenance. Water coolers need bottle replacements or filter changes, whereas drinking fountains need routine plumbing inspections. Consider your budget against installation and maintenance costs.

Sustainability and environmental impact

In today’s eco-conscious world, the environmental footprint of hydration solutions matters. Drinking fountains are often considered more eco-friendly, as they don’t need bottled water. In contrast, bottled water coolers create plastic waste, although there are options for recyclable bottles.

Benefits of a water cooler

Water coolers make a great choice for businesses; here are some reasons why you might consider them:

Hygiene: Many water coolers now have contactless dispensing, reducing the potential spread of germs. This makes them a great choice for big offices and public spaces.
Flexible placement: Bottled water coolers can be placed in almost any room, provided there’s an electricity supply. This is a versatile choice for businesses that may be limited in space.

Downsides to a water cooler

There are some limitations that you should consider to a water cooler:

Regular maintenance: Water coolers require filter replacements, bottle changes, and regular clearing, which can lead to additional costs and logistics for businesses, especially if water usage is high.
Limitations in high-traffic areas: In locations where many people need access to water, a single water cooler might not be sufficient.

Benefits of a drinking fountain

Drinking fountains are often picked for practicality and the fact they can serve high volumes of users easily.

Ideal for high-traffic areas: Drinking fountains can accommodate high volumes of users without the need for frequent maintenance.
Cost-effectiveness: Once installed, drinking fountains typically incur lower ongoing costs than bottled water coolers. As they’re connected to the main water supply, there are no bottle replacement costs, and maintenance requirements are typically minimal.

Downsides to a drinking fountain

There can be some downsides to a drinking fountain, including:

Hygiene: Regular cleaning is essential to prevent buildup around the spout, which can harbour bacteria if not properly maintained.

Limited options: Unlike water coolers, drinking fountains don’t typically offer chilled or filtered water. Whilst some models can come with these features, they aren’t universal.

Which is best for your business?

Ultimately, choosing between a water cooler and a drinking fountain depends on your business’s specific needs, space, and requirements.

A water cooler may offer better convenience and flexibility for small to medium-sized offices, especially if the office lacks direct plumbing access.

Water coolers allow for water bottle filling, too, reducing the need for disposable cups or other single-use plastics.

Larger spaces with high foot traffic might be better with a drinking fountain. They provide steady water supply, require fewer maintenance needs, and are typically more cost-effective over time.

Knowing the differences between a water cooler and a drinking fountain allows you to make an informed decision on what’s best suited for your business.