Bottle Filler Water Fountains

Water Fountains with Bottle Fillers: What You Need to Know

By offering a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics, bottle filler water fountains help reduce the amount of waste in landfills while providing a simple, convenient way for users to rehydrate. Unlike conventional water fountains, all the drinking water dispensed from a water bottle filling spout is poured into the user's bottle instead of running down the drain to become greywater.

Providing a way for guests and employees to rehydrate on the go enhances customer satisfaction and reduces trips to the water fountain. While all drinking fountains eliminate the use of disposable paper and plastic cups, a drinking fountain with water bottle filler also eliminates single-use plastic bottles, making it an eco-friendly choice. Many water bottle filler fountains even include a digital counter that displays a running tally of the number of plastic bottles saved from landfills, providing instant positive feedback for users.

Common Questions About Bottle Filler Water Fountains

What is a water bottle filling fountain?

A bottle filler water fountain is a type of drinking fountain that includes a standard drinking spout (often known as a bubbler or cooler) as well as a specialized spout specifically designed to fill water bottles. Some options use infrared technology for touch-free activation, while others use a push button. These types of drinking fountains make it possible for guests to fill a bottle with water and take it with them instead of returning to the fountain every time they need a drink. By providing a convenient way for users to fill up reusable water bottles, bottle filler water fountains reduce plastic bottle litter while ensuring hydration.

Are bottle filler water fountains filtered?

Most drinking fountains with water bottle fillers are filtered to provide clean, fresh-tasting water. The filters will have to be replaced periodically to ensure the fountain can keep filtering water properly over time, but most bottle filler water fountains have integrated LED lights that display the filter's status. Many units will also filter out lead and are made with low-lead or lead-free parts in accordance with state and federal regulations.

Are water fountains with bottle fillers sanitary?

Any shared water source has the potential to become contaminated if cleaned improperly or misused by guests, but water bottle filler fountains are generally more sanitary than standard fountains because they don't require close proximity to the user's face or mouth. Although conventional drinking fountain bubblers minimize the risk of contamination, they still require more contact than a water bottle filling spout.

Water bottle filling fountains that operate with infrared technology can be activated automatically, meaning users don't even have to touch the bottle filler fountain with their hands to get water, reducing the possibility of contamination. A drinking fountain with water bottle filler will often have silver ion-enhanced components that are naturally antimicrobial and help prevent germ spread between cleanings.

How long do bottle filler water fountain filters last?

The lifespan of a water bottle filling fountain filter varies depending on the volume and frequency of use, though most can filter several thousand gallons of water before needing replacement. To make filter replacement easy, many bottle filler water fountains have built-in indicators that alert users when it's time to change the filter.

How many times can you refill a bottle?

The number of times a bottle can be refilled depends on what the bottle's made of and how often you wash it.

Water bottles designed for single use aren't meant to be refilled. Some types of plastic used to make single-use water bottles can leach microscopic particles into the water if left in a warm place (such as a hot car) for a few hours, so they're not good for extended use. Other types of water bottle plastic won't leach anything from heat exposure, but they can be prone to microscopic cracks and wear from reuse that also leads to plastic particles being mixed with the drinking water inside.

When choosing a water bottle to refill at a bottle filler water fountain, it's best to invest in a bottle designed specifically to be reusable, such as one made from stainless steel, glass, or BPA-free plastic. All water bottles, no matter what they're made of, should be washed with warm, soapy water and thoroughly rinsed after each use to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Is a water bottle filler fountain better than a water cooler?

There are advantages and drawbacks to both styles of water dispenser. Water fountains with bottle fillers eliminate the single-use paper and plastic cups usually associated with water coolers, reducing the amount of waste that must be managed and lowering recurring costs. They also don't require manual refills with large, 3- to 5-gallon plastic water containers that need to be purchased and delivered periodically. Using a bottle filling station instead of filling cups at a water cooler makes water transportation easier and causes fewer spills in communal work areas and walkways for reduced slipping hazards.

Conversely, water bottle filler fountains can't be installed in every location as they require plumbing and sometimes electrical connections to operate. Drinking fountains with water bottle fillers also don't produce hot water like some water coolers can and may require more upkeep.