Having clean drinking water is one of the common practices that most of us undertake on a daily basis, and this happens without us even flinching a muscle. From the faucet to the jug to the office water cooler, the manner by which we consume our water can mean a lot in terms of cost, convenience, health benefits, and the environment.
Tap Water: Convenient, Inexpensive, and Highly Regulated
In the UK, tap water is one of the closely monitored supplies of water in the world. Suppliers are expected to provide safe water, which is closely checked to ensure that it is safe for drinking. In most cases, tap water is the easiest and lowest-priced option for homes, businesses, or organizations.
Cost is the first major advantage of using tap water. The water is much cheaper compared to packaged water, which comes in bottles. There is no distribution or storage required. Moreover, the water is also easily accessible. Regarding the environmental aspect, it was observed that the water generates less trash. This is particularly the case when tap water is compared to water packaged in plastic containers.
However, tap water is not without its problems. In some areas, consumers may detect a taste or odor of minerals, chlorine, or old pipes. In other instances, the presence of minerals can cause the formation of limescale in kettles or other appliances. Such problems are generally harmless yet may pose a nuisance in an office setting.
Bottled Water: Consistent Taste & Convenience – But At What Cost?
Bottled water may be preferred based on purification and taste guarantees. Bottled water may be preferred due to a perception that it is cleaner or more refreshing compared to tap water. Bottled water can be convenient if the quality of tap water is questionable.
However, there are some negative aspects associated with bottled water. It is way more expensive compared to tap water, especially when requiring consumption on a daily basis.
Environmental issues. Plastic bottles contribute to the environment and the production of recycling bottles takes energy. Despite the increasing awareness among the population, most of the plastic bottles find their way to the garbage or the environment.
One of the misconceptions that people have about bottled water is that it necessarily has a cleaner and smoother taste than tap water. This may not be entirely true, especially for bottled water sold in the UK. These are factors that are not taken into consideration for bottled water.
Water Coolers: The Wise Alternative
Water coolers have also become popular in offices, schools, gyms, and public places. They provide a middle path between convenience, quality, and eco-friendliness. Nowadays, there are basically two types of water coolers in the market; these include bottled water coolers and water coolers that require connection to the mains
Mains fed water dispensers are directly connected to the water supply of the building being used, providing chilled or purified water as per the requirements of the user. These water dispensers save the environment to a great extent as compared to water bottles.
Water dispensers are still in use with big bottles that can be refilled, but these are more eco-friendly than single-serve bottles since the bottles are reused and professionally cleaned. They should be used where there’s no water connection.
One of the significant benefits of water coolers can be attributed to the element of hygiene and consistency. They can be kept clean and the water tasted fresh by constant servicing of the machinery. This proves to be a highly important factor in shared areas.
Picking The Right Option
The choice between using water from the tap, bottled water, or water coolers would depend on one’s lifestyle. As far as using water in one’s home is concerned, water from the tap is likely to be both cost-effective as well as environmentally friendly. Bottled water would not really be the best choice for everyday consumption.
In office spaces and common areas, watercoolers are often a happy medium. They allow for filtered and tasty water, reduce single-use plastics, and are more healthy.
Ultimately, the goal for the end of the day is simple: ready access to safe, palatable drinking water. It is through an understanding of the differences that individuals and institutions can make informed decisions that meet their needs as well as the environment around them.
Get water coolers and water delivery services from Living-Water Ltd in London.
