Drinking water today has become a luxury that not all people get to experience. Water is an essential part of life for a practically almost all organisms living on the planet today. Water not only is essential for maintaining bodily functions, but water also serves to refresh and hydrate animals and humans alike after performing arduous tasks that result in water loss from the body. The recommended dose for human consumption of water is just under 2 litres; however, this resource is not always available or of a good enough quality. Owning a water cooler ensures that water is kept cool and refreshing, and also saves money and energy that may be wasted while waiting for a tap to cool down or heat up.
Many water coolers are installed by attachment to a building’s main water supply, and work by utilising electricity and refrigeration units that cool the water entering the system. In many places, such as business offices and waiting areas, using free standing water coolers is becoming a more popular, efficient way to get a quick glass of water. Newer water coolers use a large bottle of water, filled with purified, soft water. Most of these newer, free standing water coolers also have water heaters, which enable fast and easy access to warmer beverages, such as hot chocolate, tea or coffee rather a than conventional coffee vending machine. The water coolers work by using the force of gravity to release water in a controlled manner. Water coolers, coffee and tea vending machines are becoming common sight in most public places and are usually supplied by a vending machine or snack machine company.
Water coolers are also more energy efficient when compared to taps. Although drinking water from taps is healthy and provides practically the same nutrition as water from a water cooler, energy is often wasted whilst waiting for the tap to cool down or heat up. Also, tap water temperatures do not exceed certain limits; for example, a regular tap will not provide ice cold or boiling hot water. Water coolers already have the water stored at extremely cool or hot temperatures, cutting the time it takes to receive the water in half. Water coolers also are more aesthetically pleasing. Most water coolers work to cool and heat purified, soft water (water free from any minerals or foreign particles). Due to this fact, the water tastes and smells better. Another benefit of using water coolers is it reduces the risk of developing diseases from contaminated water. In certain countries, for example, consuming tap water can cause illnesses such as diarrhea, due to unsanitary conditions.