Water Cooler Key Terms

Familiarize yourself with water cooler terminology

Water coolers are a common appliance in any workplace. There are many options when it comes to selecting the appropriate water cooler for your office. Be sure to know the difference between a bottled and bottleless water system. It is also important to know what type of water you want to offer in your water dispenser. Is filtered or distilled water more appropriate for your employees? Take the time to familiarize yourself with water cooler key terms so you are sure to make the right choice.

 

Bottled water coolers, bottleless water coolers

Bottled water coolers require large water bottles, often three or five gallons in size. The bottles need to be replaced when empty and come at an additional fee per bottle. Bottleless water coolers are hooked up to a water supply and don't require changing bottles.
Try: Aquaverve details the benefits of a bottleless water cooler system.

Water cooler dispenser

The water cooler dispenser is the receptacle for bottled water systems. It can either cool or heat the water and allow for easy serving. The dispenser can either be rented or purchased through your water delivery service.
Try: Cooler Store provides a detailed diagram of how a water cooler dispenser functions.

Reverse osmosis

Reverse osmosis is the process in which water is filtered. A significant amount of pressure is applied in order to force water through a membrane that releases only pure, filtered water. Reverse osmosis filters are commonly used for solid or suspended substances present in the water.
Try: North Dakota State University describes the process of reverse osmosis.

Distilled water

Distilled water has undergone a process of being vaporized, resulting in water free from chemicals and other wastes.
Try: Energise for Life answers many common questions about the distillation process.

Granular activated carbon (GAC)/carbon block

Granular activated carbon is a type of filter that is derived from natural materials, most often coal. Using steam, the water is forced through the material to remove certain contaminants.
Try: Water Cooler Boy describes what activated carbon can do for your water cooler filtration system.

Filtered water

Filtered water is the type of water you will get from a bottleless water cooler. The water cooler is hooked up to a water supply, run through a filter to eliminate harmful contaminants, and pure water is served through your dispenser.
Try: All About Water explains the benefits of filtered water.

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