Why We Should be Thinking About Switching to Contactless Water Fountains

Contactless bottle fillers have been around for a number of years now. The original idea was simply to bring a new level of convenience to users. And a further degree of choice to buyers. Hands-free had a certain mark of prestige about it, simply because it was the latest thing. In reality, it was just another mode of operation. Now, however, the touch-free drinking fountain has come into its own. Here’s why you need to think about switching to contactless water fountains.

Why Automatic water bottle fillers are a good idea right now

COVID-19 has changed the way that we do a lot of things. Working, socialising, day-to-day living have all changed. Squeezing onto packed public transport makes everyone stop and think. Queuing at a bar, sharing a table in a café, even getting into a lift that already has someone in it have become uncomfortable experiences. And accessing shared facilities at work or in public spaces is right at the top of that list.

It has become commonly known that COVID-19 is a virus that can be spread through indirect contact. Someone might cough on a surface that you later brush against. You might then scratch your nose or rub your eyes, and if that person happens to be carrying the infection, the likelihood is that you’ll contract it too. This knowledge has made people wary – and rightly so. No responsible person wants to risk transmitting the disease, let alone contracting it. So, shared facilities immediately sound a mental warning.

That being the case, what can you do about providing essential facilities – such as drinking water – to your employees or the people in your care? Contactless water fountains.

While accessing traditional push-button water dispensers is considered to be safe, providing that you take sensible precautions, there is still a significant psychological boundary for users to overcome. So, if you’re looking to buy or upgrade your existing drinking water dispensing equipment, a touch-free bottle filler is the obvious way to go.

What are the key features of contactless bottle fillers?

Contactless bottle fillers are just like any other piece of equipment, in that some are better than others, the UK’s industry leaders are Elkay & Halsey Taylor. But their main selling point is that they can be activated without the user coming into physical contact with any part of the device. And the obvious benefit of that is that it prevents your water cooler from becoming a potential point of contagion for your business or organisation. And not just for COVID-19, but for all of the other common nasties that add to your annual sick days, such as flu, colds, the winter vomiting bug. Even things like conjunctivitis.

The touch-free drinking fountain dispenses water through sensor operation. Automatic cut off ensures that no water is wasted.

What should you look for when choosing your contactless water fountains?

There are various features you can select from a contactless water dispenser, and they will vary according to your needs. But these are the things you might want to look out for.

• WRAS approval. This should always be the first item on your checklist when looking for any water dispenser. WRAS approval essentially delivers peace of mind, letting you know that the product is safe and complies with all relevant water regulations.
• Indoor or outdoor. Before selecting your water dispenser, take time to decide where you want it to be sited. That way, you can make sure that you choose the right equipment for the job. If you require advice, the MIW team can help.
• Do you want the bottle filler to be free-standing, wall-mounted, countertop or inset?
• Chilled or non-chilled. There is no right or wrong decision here; it’s merely personal preference.
• Filter type. You don’t have to purchase a filtered water dispenser. But if you want the best tasting, odour-free water you can get, then a filter can be beneficial. There are various types of filter available – activated carbon, deionisation, ceramic, reverse osmosis, and UV. UV is the newest filter form and also considered the best. It removes 99% of all waterborne bacteria and doesn’t taint the water in any way. For extra safety, many water coolers use a combination of activated carbon and UV filters. It’s worth talking through the options before you make a purchase. Again, the MIW service team would be happy to help.

Considering each of these areas will help to make sure that you find the perfect contactless water fountain for you.

Automatic water dispensers have always been seen as a good option, but then COVID-19 made everyone think deeper. Contactless dispensers were always easier to use, they were accessible to all, particularly convenient to wheelchair users, and they were easier to maintain. Now, at a time when making contact with any shared equipment can be a cause for anxiety, the touch-free operation seems to be an absolute essential when it comes to selecting a water cooler. And while we have to think positively and hope for a time when we no longer need to worry about contagion, the contactless bottle filler has so many other additional benefits, making them the sensible choice for both now and the future.

If you’d like more information about our range of automatic and contactless water fountains, or any other water dispensers supplied by MIW, contact our customer service team today.