Frequently Asked Questions about Water Coolers

• What are some of the advantages of owning my own water cooler?
• What are the health risks associated with tap water?
• Is drinking 8 glasses of water a day really good for my health?
• Is all bottled water the same?
• How do I find a bottled water distributor in my area?
• I've noticed that some water coolers use "thermoelectric" technology while others use "compressors". What is the difference?
• Can I see a chart comparing water cooler models? Click here for the chart.
• What are the differences between bottled and bottleless water coolers? Click here to find out.

1) What are some of the advantages of owning my own water cooler?

Until you own a water cooler you won't even realize how much easier your life will be. Consider these benefits:

• You will not have to remember to put drinks in the refrigerator because you will have cold water available at the touch of a button.
• You will have extra space in your refrigerator because you won't have to keep bottled water in it.
• You and your family will drink more because of the convenience.
• You and your family will drink more because it tastes better than tap water.
• There will be no need to purchase or carry heavy bottles of water from the supermarket. Bottled water will be delivered straight to your door.
• You will not have to remember to purchase water nor will you run out of water because it will be delivered regularly and automatically without your having to "do anything" (after you've signed up for the service, of course).
• It enables you to make juice from concentrate quickly and easily.
• Beverages which are too hot for children can be quickly and easily cooled down.
• If you choose a water cooler with a hot water dispenser you will be able to make hot beverages and instant soups at the touch of a button saving you valuable time and energy.
• You will be able to prepare baby foods and cool down baby bottles instantly.

2) What are the health risks associated with tap water?

There are numerous risks. According to US government reports the water you drink from the tap may contain: bacteria, viruses, nitrate, lead and copper. All of these contaminants can cause unpleasant side effects and even serious illness. For more information concerning drinking water:

Safe Water: http://www.epa.gov/safewater.

Lead in Drinking Water: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead/index.html

Bottled Water and Water Filters: http://www.nsfconsumer.org/water/bottled_water.asp

Home Water Supply Safety: http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/family/healthyhome/water-7.pdf

Water Cooler Cleaning: http://www.bnl.gov/bnlweb/pubaf/water/cooler.htm

Or call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791.

3) Is drinking 8 glasses of water a day really good for my health?

Yes, according to The Surgeon General's Report on Nutrition and Health and The Journal of the American Medical Association. Both advise people to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day.

4) Is all bottled water the same?

No, there are actually different types of water which fall under the category of "bottled water". According to the FDA the following definitions describe the different types of bottled water:

Artesian well water
Water from a well tapping an aquifer in which the water level stands at some height above the top of the aquifer.

Ground water
Water from a sub-surface saturated area that is under pressure equal to or greater than atmospheric pressure.

Mineral water
Water containing not less than 250 parts per million total dissolved solids (TDS), coming from a source tapped at one or more bore holes or springs, originating from a geologically and physically protected underground water source. No minerals may be added to this water. If TDS content is below 500 parts per million, the statement "low mineral content" must appear on the label. If TDS content is above 1500 parts per million, the statement "high mineral content" must appear on the label.

Purified water
Water that has been produced by distillation, deionization, reverse osmosis, or other suitable processes and that meets the definition of "purified water" in the 23d Revision of the United States Pharmacopoeia.

Sparkling bottled water
Water that after treatment and possible replacement of carbon dioxide, contains the same amount of carbon dioxide that it had at the emergence from the source.

Spring water
Water derived from an underground formation of water flowing naturally to the surface of the earth. Spring water is collected only at the spring or through a bore hole tapping the underground formation feeding the spring.

Sterile water
Water meeting the requirements under the "Sterility Test" in the 23d Revision of the United States Pharmacopoeia.

Well water
Water from a hole in the ground which taps the water of an aquifer.

5) How do I find a bottled water distributor in my area?

You can check the yellow pages or follow these links to find one:

http://directory.google.com/Top/Business/Food_and_Related_Products/Beverages/Water/

http://www.business.com/directory/food_and_beverage/beverages/water/bottlers/

6) I've noticed that some water coolers use "thermoelectric" technology while others use "compressors". What is the difference?

Thermoelectric modules are highly efficient pumps directly converting electricity into cooling power. They are quiet, cost-efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly. However, they are not recommended for rooms that are usually over 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Compressor technology has an extremely strong cooling ability and can be operated successfully in hot environments.