Water accounts for 60% of the weight of an average person and after oxygen, is the most essential element in our physiology.

According to online health and beauty retailer Health Choices: “We can survive weeks without food, but only days without water. Water comprises 80% of blood, 73% of the brain, 73% of muscle and 22% of bone. Without ample reserves of this critical fluid, many major body processes would be severely hindered.”

The company goes on to explain that as well as acting as a ‘giant cooling system’ that regulates body temperature, water also carries oxygen and nutrients to all cells, helps convert food into energy, protects and cushions vital organs and joints, keeps the liver and kidneys functioning properly, helps to metabolise fats, removes and detoxifies waste from our system and is the basis for all our fluid secretions. With so many important jobs to do, its no wonder that water is such thirsty work!

“On a daily basis the human body loses up to 100 ounces of water through both urine and perspiration. Even the simple act of exhaling causes us to lose precious amounts of water vapour. Add in the factors of a hot, humid climate and strenuous exercise, and water loss dramatically increases. Diet in particular, can account for major fluctuations in water needs,” Health Choices adds. Modern life is hectic and stressful. We work some of the longest hours in Europe and while many offices are air conditioned, a large number are not, making them very hot and stuffy in the summer months. Our water levels are also constantly under threat from the consumption of foods high in sugar and salt together with drinks laden with caffeine.

The British Water Coolers Association (BWCA) is the trade association for the bottled water cooler industry in the United Kingdom as well as encompassing the plumbed-in water cooler activities of its members. It says: “Water coolers have become a favourite and common item of equipment in the modern workplace.

They have integrated into all aspects of working life from offices to workshops and construction sites to schools and hospitals. Today employers do not only provide water coolers as a means of fulfilling their legal duty to provide drinking water in the workplace, but they recognise the benefits derived from good hydration in the productivity and wellbeing of their staff. Water coolers are also increasingly appearing in the home as the demand for cool refreshing bottled water, on tap, is extended from the workplace and as an alternative to soft drinks and beverages for the family.”

BOTTLED WATER

There are two main types of bottled water on sale, mineral and spring water. Spring water is taken directly from the source or spring, whereas mineral water comes from deep within the ground, having flowed over mineral laden rocks and is therefore high in mineral content. The Drinking Water Inspectorate notes that two thirds of tap-water comes from surface water in the form of reservoirs and lakes, with the remainder coming from ground water which are both then treated.

WATER COOLERS

The British Water Cooler Association (BWCA) notes that the British Nutrition Foundation recommends eight glasses of water a day or more for those in physically exerting work and the elderly. Research shows that performance and concentration levels are significantly impaired when we are dehydrated.

The British water-cooling market is booming and has grown to approximately 720,000 water coolers, becoming the largest in Europe since 1989, according to a BWCA report. This shows no sign of slowing, and water coolers are now beginning to feature in homes as parents are keen for children to replace sugary drinks with water.

The carbon footprint left by transportation of water supplies, and the plastic cups and bottles which can be damaging to the environment has led to criticism of water-coolers as a replacement for using the tap. However companies such as Powwow now recollect bottles to be reused and they recycle damaged ones through use of a third party, whilst plastic cups can be recycled by Save a Cup.

Green issues continue to creep up the public agenda, and watercooler manufacturers have been quick to respond to these new demands. Many workplaces, schools and universities are now opting for greener ‘plumbed-in’ water-cooling systems, eliminating the need for large bottles, which in some cases can be hazardous to the environment.

BRITA

In August last year, the internationally renowned designer Orla Kiely and BRITA, a leading water filter company, announced a major collaboration to produce the world’s first designer, eco-friendly, reusable water bottle – the Wottle.

The Wottle has been designed as a unique all-year round “must have” accessory for drinking water on the move whilst creating less waste. The 500ml Wottle features Orla Kiely’s signature Stem design, a rubber finger grip that can be adapted for portability and is perfectly proportioned to carry about town in a handbag. Simply fill and refill with fresh BRITA filtered water and enjoy its great taste in good taste - wherever you are. BRITA and Orla Kiely were committed to creating a bottle that was not only practical and stylish, but also had impeccable ethical credentials. The Wottle is made from 100% recycled materials, including HDPE plastic. To keep its carbon footprint to a minimum it is made exclusively in the UK, ensuring water drinkers can combine style with environmental responsibility.

The Wottle can be used in conjunction with BRITA’s filtered water product range for homes and offices. BRITA’s filter cartridges are designed to remove impurities from tap water, including Chlorine and limescale giving a fresher, purer drinking water. The Cartridges are also 100% recyclable and just one cartridge can produce up to 150 litres of filtered water for great taste with less waste - and all at just 4p per litre. BRITA has been recycling their cartridges since 1992 and recently launched a major in-store recycling scheme where customers can drop their used cartridges in BRITA’s blue recycling bins at participating retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Argos and Robert Dyas .

Neal Jones, Marketing Director, BRITA, said, “As a leading provider of great tasting drinking water in the home, the next step was for us to find an environmentally friendly solution that enabled people to drink BRITA filtered water on the move. Working closely with Orla Kiely means we’ve achieved that goal, but also created a unique product for style-conscious consumers.

EBAC

The FMax POU is said to be Ebac’s most advanced water cooler.

Featuring its unique, patented, Direct Dispense system, the FMax POU guarantees a constant supply of clean and chilled filtered water. The FMax POU features two, 0.5 micron, carbon block filters to minimise chlorine, taste and odour and an extra large 3.5 litre cold tank delivering continuous fresh water chilled to 6°C.

Unlike other water coolers, the Direct Dispense system filters water just at the point of dispense meaning that the water retains its antibacterial properties right until the last moment. There is only 30ml of filtered water within the cooler and since this stored water does not come into contact with air you are guaranteed cleaner, fresher drinking water.

Commenting on mains-fed water coolers, Ebac Chairman, John Elliott said: “The real benefit of a water cooler is that more water is consumed which is excellent for the well-being of those that drink it.

A mains-fed water cooler can literally be fitted and forgotten about. It will deliver cool filtered water day after day, only requiring the filters to be changed about once a year. With the development of the FMax POU, Ebac have focused on providing maximum hygiene and offering the cleanest water, as near as possible to its ‘natural’ state.”

ABBEYCHART

Abbeychart and water valves go hand-in-hand, says the company: “We have built up an impressive range of valves and controls for the most precious resource in life - Water.” From mains supply to appliance and beyond, Abbeychart stocks and distributes parts to reduce, regulate, stop, control and connect appliances.

The range includes pressure reducing, non-return, pressure limited and flood prevention products, in addition to a full range of solenoid valves. It also has taps and faucets, ball valves and stop valves, plus the full John Guest range of beverage and plumbing fittings. It also carries what it calls a ‘huge range’ of water-pre treatment equipment including Ion Exchange Cartridges, Line Filters, Connection Hoses and Fittings.

3M

3M Water Filtration, meanwhile, manufactures a comprehensive line of filtration products for the separation, clarification, and purification of fluids and gasses. Its proprietary products include uses in the healthcare, industrial, and drinking water markets.

In the last ten years health and ethically produced products have become key trends in both the food and beverage markets. Beverage, vending and water cooler manufacturers are making healthy profits from the sale of mineral, spring, flavoured and vitamin enriched waters. Previous environmental concerns are firmly in the past as companies rush to offer recyclable bottles to satisfy clients.

Water vending manufacturers have clearly benefited from the increasingly health-aware consumer and this lucrative trend looks to be on the ascent. After all, many of us are simply taking the lead from celebrities who, glowing with health, always have a branded bottle in hand - suggesting the answer is clearer than we think!

Printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend

Bookmark this

---