Regular hydration is a basic human need and necessity. It is recognized as such with the Water Law in the USA that states that every employer must provide drinking water to employees that meet OSHA standards.
Water is essential for health, but it is important for employees to stay hydrated for reasons that are advantageous for business. Regular hydration is known to increase concentration and productivity and reduce downtime. Most businesses are also striving to be more responsible and eco-conscious and some of the options for water provision can help in the fight against plastic pollution.
Employers have a number of choices for providing employees with water. Two of the most popular solutions are a water cooler and a vending machine. To make an informed choice of which is best for your business, you need to understand the two.
The Differences Between A Water Cooler And Vending Machine
What Is A Water Cooler?
A water cooler is the traditional kind of drinking machine that is instantly recognizable. You see it in the workplace and also in TV shows and movies. It is also a magnet for humor with water cooler moments providing plenty of jokes and laughs.
How it works is that a large plastic tank/bottle of still water sits on top of a base. The base unit contains the cooling apparatus and has a tap by which the water is delivered. Some have more than one tap, one delivery room temperature water, the other provides cooled water. Some coolers come with cups others with cones. These can be provided by your water supplier, or a business can source their own.
It’s a very simple mechanism. You press on a faucet until you have the amount of water you need.
You can set up a recurring order with a water delivery company in Los Angeles who will supply the quantity of new full bottles and take away empty bottles as per the schedule you set.
What Is A Water Vending Machine?
Also known as a water dispenser and abbreviated to WVM, this is a machine that offers a much more advanced solution for fresh drinking water than a cooler.
Rather than being a standalone unit like the traditional water cooler, a WVM is plumbed directly into the mains in your building. Being mains powered and plumbed in means that the WVM can do so much more than just deliver cool drinking water on demand.
In the best WVM’s, there will be options for the usual cold water, but also extra options for hot water, ambient water and even sparkling water depending on the model that you choose. Overall, the experts believe that a vending machine is a more innovative and stylish option than a water cooler, but the decision of choosing between the two will definitely come down to your individual circumstances.
Choosing between a Water Cooler and Vending Machine
Which water dispenser is the best option for your business? It comes down to some key facts about your budget and your environment. If you want to achieve a means of healthy drinking water on a minimal budget, then a traditional water cooler might be the better option.
When it comes to plumbed in water dispensers/systems, they tend to be the better solution for places with a higher volume of people and larger premises. The high tech nature makes it a more expensive option, but the advantages outweigh the cost premium. It can replace the system used for hot and cold water in any catering or dining room facilities you provide for your employees.
There is also no reason why – if you have large premises such as a warehouse – that you cannot combine both. Have a dispensing system in the main break area/dining room and have water coolers dotted around where numbers of staff work together.
Call Urban Oasis to Discuss The Options
Urban Oasis provides water to the LA area. They can provide a solution for all size of business. Take a look at the website for more information about a water vending machine or give them a call for help on which delivery system is best for your business and also about the types of water that can be supplied. Stay on the right side of the law and keep your employees hydrated and productive with fresh water 24/7.