Healthy drinking water is essential in the workplace. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently set its first-ever limits on contaminants in drinking water, including 'forever chemicals' like PFAS.  According to a recent study from the USGS, approximately 71 to 95 million people in the lower 48 states (that’s more than 20% of the country's population) may rely on groundwater that contains detectable concentrations of PFAS for their drinking water supplies. Businesses are moving toward effective water purification systems, so these days having a water bottle filling station in your facility is moving from a ‘nice-to-have’ to a necessity. As a leader in providing water bottle filling stations, drinking fountains, and filtration solutions, Global Industrial offers this guide on why water bottle filling stations are likely the right choice for your workspace.

PFAs and Forever Chemicals:

As mentioned, the EPA recently increased regulations on PFAS i.e. per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, reflecting the growing recognition of the dangers posed by these persistent chemicals. PFAS are a group of man-made compounds known for their durability and ability to resist water, grease, oil, and heat. They can remain in the environment for centuries, earning the nickname "forever chemicals." Exposure to these substances, even at very low levels, poses significant health risks, underscoring the importance of effective water purification systems.

This new information has led Global Industrial to respond by developing innovative water filter purifiers, including options that utilize reverse osmosis filtration technology. These systems are designed to remove harmful contaminants, ensuring that the hydration water provided is safe and clean.

Health & Hydration:

Keep your people healthy with access to clean, fresh water, particularly in hot working environments. By encouraging healthy hydration habits such as choosing water over sugary drinks, you promote the overall well-being of your most valuable asset: your workforce.

Efficiency:

Save trips to the fridge or the corner store by providing quick, easy access to hydration. With clean and healthy water on site, you reduce the time employees and visitors spend acquiring bottled water. This convenience both supports productivity and promotes regular water intake.

Cost Savings:

Up front investment in water bottle filling stations eliminates the need for purchasing bottled water, resulting in significant cost savings over time. With retail prices on the rise, on site water not only makes financial sense but avoids excessive waste of water bottles, leading to…

Environmental Benefits:

Water bottle filling stations are an environmentally friendly alternative to single-use plastic bottles, helping to reduce plastic waste and its impact on landfills and oceans. With plastic pollution being a major global problem, it is only right to be part of the solution.

It’s the Law:

If you run a business, it is your legal obligation to provide drinking water for employees. In addition, ANSI and NSF provide standards for safe drinking water. Adhering to regulations ensures compliance and promotes public health.

What to Consider

When choosing what sort of water bottle filling station or drinking fountain is right for you, it’s important to consider some key factors:

• Location: Will your unit be more useful inside or outside? Distance to the work areas is a key factor. Consider whether a wall-mounted or free-standing model is more suitable. A wall mounted unit saves space while a free-standing model offers versatility in placement. There is also the question of a recessed versus a surface mount. Recessed units provide a sleek, integrated appearance while surface-mounted units are easier to install in various settings.
• Volume and Throughput: How many units do you need? A good rule of thumb is to install one water bottle filling station for every bathroom in your facility, as this typically correlates with plumbing availability and user traffic. How many people will be using the stations? This will guide you on the amount of water to plan for. Additionally, there is a trade-off between more advanced filtration systems and the volume of water that will be emitted.
• Filtration: Water filtration is crucial for ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water. While some facilities may have a central water purification system, installing additional filters, such as water softener filters or water conditioner systems, can provide extra protection against contaminants like PFAS. Global Industrial's Global Pure PFAS Filters are specifically designed to remove these harmful substances.
• Vandalism: If you are setting up your system in an area prone to vandalism, you should choose water bottle filling stations made of materials resistant to damage. These models are designed to withstand abuse and maintain functionality in challenging environments.
• Existing Infrastructure: If you are replacing existing drinking fountains, consider retrofit kits that upgrade your current setup to include water bottle filling capabilities. This approach can be cost-effective and less disruptive.
• Combination Units: Need the flexibility? Combination units that feature both a water bottle filling station and a traditional drinking fountain offer dual functionality. This can be particularly beneficial in public spaces with various needs.
• Hands-Free Operation: Hands-free water refilling stations are ideal for healthcare facilities and other environments where hygiene is a priority. Reduce the risk of contamination by providing water safely and minimizing contact.

Global Industrial offers a wide range of water bottle filling stations to meet diverse needs:

	Wall Mount Water Bottle Filling Stations: Ideal for indoor installations, these stations are compact and convenient.
	Outdoor Water Bottle Filling Stations: Designed to withstand the elements, these stations are perfect for parks, campuses, and recreational areas.
	Outdoor Wall Mount Water Bottle Filling Stations: Combining outdoor durability with space-saving design, these units are versatile and robust.
	Water Filling Stations Retrofit Kits: These kits allow for easy upgrades of existing drinking fountains, adding water bottle filling capabilities without extensive modifications.
	Vandal Resistant Water Bottle Filling Stations: Built for durability, these stations are suitable for high-risk areas and ensure long-lasting performance.
	Recessed Bottle Filling Stations: Offering a streamlined appearance, recessed models are ideal for spaces where aesthetics and space-saving are important.
	Combination Water Bottle Filling Stations and Surface Mount: These all-in-one units provide both traditional drinking fountains and modern water bottle filling stations, catering to diverse hydration needs.
	Hands-Free Water Refilling Stations: Perfect for high-hygiene environments, these stations offer hands-free operation, reducing the spread of germs and contamination.

With an array of options, Global Industrial provides comprehensive solutions tailored to your specific requirements. These systems not only promote health and hydration but also support environmentally friendly practices and cost savings. For more information on the best water bottle filling station for your needs, or to explore our range of products, please visit Global Industrial today.