Categories
Water

As the year 2024 draws to a close, it’s worth reflecting on the positive effects and contributions of purified drinking water coolers. Looking back at drinking water news  across the East Coast, it is apparent that individuals and businesses have faced their share of challenges, including the ugly aftermath of hurricanes impacting water quality as well as increasing concerns over microplastics and forever chemicals in public water supplies. Undoubtedly, workplaces and offices continue to face the challenge of ensuring safe, high-quality hydration for their teams; however, thankfully, reverse osmosis (RO) purified drinking water and ice solutions have played an essential role in alleviating many of these issues in workplaces across the East. With purified drinking water coolers, both individuals and teams alike find empowerment with clean, refreshing water and ice at the ready, despite any other stressors or losses.

 

Key Challenges for Workplaces Without Drinking Water Coolers in 2024

1. Hurricane Impacts on Water Quality

Hurricanes like Helen brought heavy rainfall and flooding across Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. These natural disasters overwhelmed municipal water systems and private wells, increasing contamination from runoff, chemicals, and harmful bacteria. Many workplaces found themselves struggling to provide potable water and safe ice during these crises. Reverse osmosis purified drinking water coolers are no-brainers when it comes to providing point-of-use solutions for widespread audiences in times of need.

2. Forever Chemicals and Microplastics

The rise in awareness of PFAS (forever chemicals) and microplastics underscored the need for advanced water filtration systems. Studies linked these contaminants to adverse health effects, prompting businesses to reevaluate their water sources to protect employee health. Many businesses are seeking out sustainable solutions that support employee health and hydration, by way of exploring purified drinking water coolers.

3. Bottled Water Cost Increases

Inflation and supply chain disruptions led to rising costs for bottled water and 5-gallon jug deliveries. Many offices have found it challenging to balance hydration needs with budgets, especially as demand surged after storm-related disruptions. In response to fluctuating costs of plastic-bottled water, many workplaces have made the decision to go plastic-free in turning to purified drinking water coolers.

 

How Reverse Osmosis Purification Helped Workplaces in 2024

Reverse osmosis systems emerged as a lifesaver for many businesses this year. With their ability to remove up to 99% of contaminants, including PFAS, bacteria, and dissolved solids, these systems ensured that employees had access to clean and safe drinking water. Here are some of the ways in which they have made a difference:

1. Consistent Water Quality: 

Offices that installed RO purification systems avoided the risks associated with public water sources after storms. Employees could rely on clean water for drinking and ice production, even during emergencies. Some businesses are so impressed, they’ve shared their feedback in videos like these:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/753528206183970?fs=e&fs=e

2. Cost Savings: 

By eliminating the need for bottled water and jug deliveries, businesses reduced expenses while offering an eco-friendly hydration solution. From car dealerships to busy warehouses, ditching plastic has saved businesses thousands of dollars which would have been otherwise spent on waste management, refrigeration and bottling. 

3. Improved Employee Health and Morale: 

Safe and high-quality water boosted workplace morale and reduced the risks of dehydration and illnesses caused by poor water quality. By having cold, clean water and ice, particularly in the hot summer months, business owners need not worry about receiving alarming calls about a crew member being down from heat stroke caused by dehydration. 

 

Technical Developments in Drinking Water Coolers

Optimum Water Solutions, in business for ten years, can speak to the remarkable advancements in the world of drinking water purifying machines just this year, including:

1. All-in-One Ice and Water Coolers:

These state-of-the-art machines have transformed workplace hydration by combining purified water and ice production in a single unit. Equipped with reverse osmosis technology, they ensure contaminant-free water and ice, saving businesses time, money, and hassles.

2. Self-Sanitizing Features:

New models now include auto-sanitizing technology, such as UV light or activated oxygen, to maintain the cleanliness of water tanks and dispensing areas. This reduces maintenance needs and guarantees fresh, pure water at all times.

3. Smart Monitoring Systems:

Innovative sensors can now track water usage and filter health, alerting teams and subsequently technicians when maintenance is needed. This proactive approach minimizes downtime and ensures optimal performance.

4. Enhanced Filtration Technology:

Advancements in RO membranes have improved the efficiency and lifespan of filters, making purified water systems more reliable and sustainable for businesses.

5.      More Ice at the Ready!

In 2024, the i14 purified drinking water cooler that dispenses ice was made available, thereby providing users with 13 pounds of ice at the ready, as opposed to what was previously available, in quantities of 7.5 pounds. Of course this is not the only ice and water machine available; others can produce 16 pounds of chewable ice, notwithstanding commercial ice options.  

 

Looking Ahead to Drinking Water Coolers in 2025

As we move into the new year, the importance of reliable, purified drinking water and ice solutions cannot be overstated. Optimum Water Solutions, big enough to get the job done, small enough to care, remains committed to delivering cutting-edge hydration technologies that help businesses overcome water quality challenges and foster healthier, happier workplaces.

Whether responding to natural disasters, addressing chemical contaminants, or simply ensuring consistent access to clean water, reverse osmosis purified drinking water coolers have proven to be an invaluable asset for the modern workplace. As businesses continue to prioritize employee health and well-being, we can only expect further innovations in this critical field. Here’s to a hydrated, healthy, and successful 2025 with: Clearly. Pure. Water. 

 

Archives