Water dispenser
A water dispenser (also known as a water cooler ) is a soft drink machine that dispenses drinking water (usually free for the consumer) and has small cups ready for it.
Water dispensers are mainly found in companies and medical practices, and increasingly as a service in department stores or supermarkets. They are available as table-top units that z. B. can be used in tea kitchens, since they are usually only slightly larger than a coffee machine, and as standing columns, a distinction being made here between table-top devices with a base cabinet and devices in stainless steel columns.
You can usually choose from still (i.e. without added carbon dioxide ), uncooled, still chilled and carbonated drinking water. Sometimes the cups have a shape that tapers towards the bottom. This has the advantage that the user, since he cannot simply put it down, throws it away in a garbage can.
There are point-of-use (POU ) and bottled water dispensers. The pipeline systems are connected to the water pipe ; the water is drawn using a simple button system. Non-piped systems usually use spring water or reverse osmosis water from large containers.
As with all devices that come into contact with food, regular cleaning is required. It is recommended e.g. B. to clean the taps and drip trays daily with special cleaning wipes and / or hygiene spray. Larger companies offer maintenance services that meet the hygiene guidelines of the German WaterCooler Association eV (GWCA) (at least annual replacement of all parts and pipes that come into contact with water). While such guidelines were initially only available for bottled water coolers, such state-recognized hygiene guidelines have now also been used for water dispensers that are connected to tap water since mid-2010.
In the United States, installed water dispensers are located in hallways, e.g. B. Very common in educational institutions. However, no vessels are used for drinking. You lean forward and drink directly from the tap, which discharges the water upwards in a small arc.
