In Singapore’s humid weather outdoors and dry weather indoors, one realizes that adequate amount of water is required to remain healthy and hydrated. Office workers, who typically stay indoors, need clean, safe and sufficient amount of water within their reach. As an employer, its important to look after the health of your employees as well as remain environmentally friendly.
Although tap water in Singapore is safe to consume, corporates & SME’s typically rely on treated water by means of hot & cold water dispensers or packaged water…satiating water needs of its employees in the best possible form.
As an Office Administrator or a Business Owner this often raises a dilemma in deciding the most suitable way of providing water to the staff. So, in this post we’ll attempt to remove the guesswork and make the decision making a no brainer.
Options for drinking water supply
Because Singapore’s water supply is treated and safe to be consumed even directly from the tap, it is reliable for all to drink. However, as an employer, you may want to go a step further in the interest of employee wellness and offer enriched drinking water like alkaline water which has been widely researched to have multiple health benefits.
Here are 3 options for office drinking water supply that you can consider and choose from –
Water Barrel-based Office Dispenser
Water is dispensed from a water barrel that is mounted on top of a dispenser.
What is good about it –
- Can be conveniently placed where needed as it doesn’t need a direct water supply.
- Only requires a power source for the hot and cold option
- Best for offices that do not have wet pantries
What is not so good –
- Needs someone to replace the barrel every time its empty (and these barrels can be heavy!!!!)
- Requires administrative hassle to oversee ordering and delivery of the water barrels once they run out
- Needs storage area to store both the empty and pre ordered water barrels
Direct Piped Dispenser
Water is dispensed directly from the water source/ pipe, undergoes filtration in the canister and is readily available for the consumer
What is good about it –
- Is hassle-free with minimal maintenance needs
- High quality filtered water with uninterrupted water supply
- Leaves less carbon footprint as water is not transported/stored in water barrels
- Is small in size so is most suitable for small office spaces
What is not so good –
- Dispenser must be placed near a water source and may require plumbing work
- Not feasible if there’s no water source nearby
- Pipe needs to be checked regularly for corrosion or wear and tear
Stainless Steel Watercooler
While stainless steel heavy duty watercoolers are commonly found in high traffic areas like Singapore’s Hospitals, Changi Airport Terminals, Staff Canteens, etc. They can also be installed for Offices where staff count is on the higher side
What is good about it –
- Water is drawn directly from the office main water supply
- Encourages employees to go green by bringing their own water bottles instead of using disposable cups
What is not so good –
- Needs a direct water supply
- Maybe bulky looking
- Not suitable when both hot & cold water is required
Now that we are better informed about the types of office water supply available, lets ponder over the method for procuring it. In Singapore, typically you can have the option of either buying or renting it.
Buying vs Renting a Water Dispenser
Buy a Water Dispenser
Advantages
- Company invests & owns an asset in a one-time capital expenditure
- Regular maintenance and service contract
Disadvantages
- Upkeep servicing and contract records
- More admin work required
- In case of higher usage, wear & tear this entail maintenance hassle later on
Rent a Water Dispenser
Advantages
- Warranty, maintenance, servicing, replacement are all handled by the water company
- Hassle free as the company carries out their maintenance checks regularly
- Company doesn’t need to manage another asset or move in case of relocation
Disadvantages
- Cost may be slightly higher over the long run
Employee Wellness as Key Priority
Ensuring clean and healthy water supply to your employees makes sure that they are properly hydrated and thus remain more alert, productive and well prepared for the work day. While normal tap water has a PH level of 7, alkaline water has a higher PH level which helps in countering the acidic levels in the body. AOX Natural Alkaline Water bring health benefits on many of our body systems. Here are key health benefits of drinking alkaline water every day.
We at AOX Water have solutions that supply antioxidant alkalized water be it whatever dispenser or equipment you choose for your workplace. Our friendly sales staff are at your service and just a call away!
