Water coolers are so commonplace that “meeting around the water cooler” is a proverbial statement meaning to take a short break from work. Of course, everyone needs a break from time to time, and everyone needs fresh, clean water. Some offices still rely on a delivery company to provide large five gallon jugs of pristine water. However, thanks to water cooler filters, it is possible to save this expense by using tap water in the cooler that then dispenses pure water.
Water cooler filters come in three basic types. First, reverse osmosis filter systems remove virtually everything from the water, including healthful minerals. Pressure forces the unfiltered water through a semipermeable membrane leaving the impurities behind. This method involves hooking the water line to the cooler. It is able to provide up to 150 gallons of water a day. The military often uses this system to desalinate water. Filters generally need to be replaced every three months.
A second type of water cooler filter is a water distiller. This operates on a similar principle to other distilling units and removes everything from the water, including minerals and taste. It is also generally the most expensive to operate.
A third type is the activated charcoal water cooler filter. This is the most common type of filter. The system is generally inexpensive to operate for no heaters or pumps are needed. The charcoal filters out heavy metals, pathogens, and impurities but leaves the minerals that are needed by the body. For heavy usage, filters generally need to be replaced every six months.
At least two basic types of charcoal filter systems are available. The first is attached to the water supply and operates in the base of the cooler or inside a counter. Water pressure forces water through the charcoal filter and into a cooling unit before it is dispensed. With this type, no jugs or water containers are visible.
A second type works by gravity and looks like a giant filter pitcher containing two piggybacked containers. The top container is filled with faucet water and allowed to gradually drain into the lower container. As it does this, the water passes through the filter. There it is cooled and stored until needed.
Some water cooler filtering systems have a double filter. The first removes contaminate particles (‘floaties’) and reduces unpleasant taste and color from the water. The second filter removes chlorine, harmful heavy metals, and pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. Thus, by simply adding tapwater, an endless supply of cool, pure drinking water is available.
As you can see, a wide variety of styles is available. All of them eliminate the expense of water delivery. The simplest and least expensive (yet effective) system is the gravity fed charcoal filter. It requires no instillation. For a busy office or home, a charcoal filter attached to the water source would be the most efficient and least expensive way to provide endless fresh water for your people.
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