Ensuring your employees, guests, and customers have access to clean drinking water should be a priority for any business. A hydrated workforce is a key factor in reaching new levels of productivity and operational efficiency. Moreover, it can lead to significant improvements in the well-being of your workforce. According to CNET, water is essential in improving energy levels, boosting your mood, lowering your resting heart rate, and removing toxins from the kidneys.
However, not all water is created equal. Some drinking water options can contain chlorine, other chemicals, or even harmful contaminants that might not be advantageous for your workforce and customers.
We’re taking a closer look into which drinking water options are chlorinated, what that means, and how to find the water system that’s the right fit for your workplace moving forward.
Click here to test your knowledge of chlorine in drinking water.
Is There Chlorine in Your Workplace Bottled Water?
Many businesses tend to rely on simple tap water or bottled water options at work, which typically include either single-use plastic water bottles or large 3- to 5-gallon jugs. Organizations are inclined to resort to these options because of the misconception that they’re more convenient, safe, and clean. However, this isn’t necessarily the case. Not only are these options a hassle to manage — they also might not be the purified water you’re expecting.
Do your drinking water options have chlorine in them?
If you utilize tap water sources at your workplace and you’re wondering if there’s chlorine present, the short answer is yes. While this certainly isn’t the same amount used to disinfect pools, nearly all tap water contains chlorine. This is because it’s the main disinfection method for municipal water supplies.
When it comes to bottled water options, the answer can vary. Manufacturers typically use either reverse osmosis or distillation to remove particles, such as chlorine, from the water source before bottles are filled and sealed. However, most bottled water is tap water, which means, depending on where it was sourced from directly, it could have been disinfected with chlorine.
Overall, whether you employ tap water or bottled water solutions at work, there’s a chance you’re drinking additives like chlorine, fluoride, or even accidental additives such as lead from your pipes.
Is chlorinated water safe to drink?
Depending on the levels of chlorine used for drinking water disinfection, chlorinated water is generally safe to drink and is unlikely to cause long-term health effects. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits the amount of chlorine in drinking water to ensure it’s safe for human consumption, and according to the CDC, chlorine levels up to 4 milligrams per liter are considered safe drinking water.
However, without the right filters in place, it’s possible for your chlorine levels to be higher than they should be for healthy water consumption — which is significantly less safe and appealing.
The advantages of chlorinated water
You might be wondering why municipal treatment involves chlorine in the first place. When the right levels of chlorine are added, you can see benefits including:
- Reduced bacteria and viruses.
- Residual protection against recontamination.
- A reduction in diarrheal disease incidence.
- Eliminated contaminants.
The disadvantages of chlorinated water
While the benefits of chlorinated water are seemingly clear, there are important disadvantages to consider as well. The less appealing aspects of these additives include:
- Changing the taste of your water.
- Changing the smell of your water as a result of chemical additives.
- Not being as effective in all water sources, specifically in turbid or cloudy water.
- Needing constant quality control to measure the chlorine levels.
- Relatively low protection against protozoa.
- Potential long-term effects of chlorination by-products.
Alternative Drinking Water Options To Consider
While chlorinated water is theoretically safe to drink at the right levels, the associated disadvantages and possible toxicity of chlorine levels that are too high make alternatives worth considering. Understanding the drinking water options available to you can help you determine what drinking water will be the most beneficial to your employees, customers, and business moving forward.
Spring water
Spring water comes from water that flows to the surface from a clean underground water source. If you’re looking for clean, great-tasting water, this is generally a popular choice. Spring water naturally contains minerals and possibly beneficial bacteria, without chemicals like chlorine or fluoride. While this option is an effective way to avoid harmful chemicals and contaminants, it’s important to keep in mind that spring water can quickly become a pricey choice.
Mineral water
Mineral water is another bottled water option, but unlike other types of water, it’s bottled at its source — which contains natural minerals and other trace elements. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports there should be at least 250 parts per million total dissolved solids, and any other minerals or trace elements can’t be added later. Mineral water can have positive health benefits such as promoting bone health, lowering blood pressure, benefiting heart health and more, per a report from Healthline. However, it’s also typically more costly than other options while introducing concerns about high sodium levels and possible microplastic content in plastic water bottles.
Distilled water
Distilled water is a type of purified water where tap water is processed and condensed back into liquid form. As a result, any pre-existing vitamins or minerals are removed. While generally considered a healthy drinking water option, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The lack of vitamins or minerals not only gives the water little to no taste but has also been attributed to poor dental health. Moreover, distilled water absorbs other elements very easily, which can lead to high acidity and possible health risks as a result.
Water filtration systems
Advanced solutions in water filtration are making bottleless water coolers an increasingly popular choice across workplaces. With a water filter in place, you can remove harmful contaminants while eliminating the possibility of unsafe levels of chlorine or fluoride in your drinking water altogether. State-of-the-art technology from water service providers like Quench® removes sediments, contaminants, and bad tastes while adding back minerals and electrolytes to create the best alkaline water for optimum hydration.
Finding the Water That’s the Right Fit for Your Business
With all of the distinct types of water available to you, it can be difficult finding the option that’s right for your organization. However, there are a few things to keep in mind that can make your decision easier.
When it comes to bottled water companies, you’re not always sure what you’re going to get. There’s no surefire way to regulate the types and levels of additives used. It doesn’t help that there are inevitable variations depending on your local water quality or the water bottle brand you employ. In addition to the uncertainty surrounding chemicals and contaminants in your bottled water products, you also have to consider the disadvantages for your business.
Water bottles, whether single-use or large jugs, are likely not your most cost-efficient option and can have detrimental effects on the environment. These repercussions include plastic waste, CO2 emissions, large oil use, water waste, and the possibility of microplastics. You can see the true cost of water bottles in the workplace by checking out our total cost calculator.
With a bottleless water cooler, your business can have certainty on how your water is being treated while saving significantly along the way. This filtered water is treated straight from your water line, giving your employees access to an endless supply of clean, great-tasting water — without having to worry about contaminants, chemicals, or any additives that run the risk of affecting anyone’s long-term health.
Procure Clean Workplace Drinking Water With Quench
It might be time for your business to ditch bottled water products for a more advanced drinking water solution. If you’re ready to elevate your water supply, you can procure your bottleless water cooler with Quench. Explore a wide array of bottleless water dispensers that can give your employees, guests, and customers access to top-tier filtered water whenever they need it. You can keep costs down while ensuring your workforce is happy, healthy, and hydrated along the way.
Ready to bring your workplace water quality to the next level? Try our product finder to discover the bottleless water dispenser that’s the right match for your organization, or get a free quote to get started.
Take Our Chlorine Quiz
As a water quality expert with a background in environmental science and water treatment, I understand the critical importance of providing access to clean drinking water in various settings, including workplaces. I've conducted extensive research on water quality standards, treatment methods, and their implications on human health.
Now, delving into the concepts mentioned in the article:
Chlorine in Drinking Water
1. Presence of Chlorine:
- Tap Water: Chlorine is commonly present in tap water as it is a primary disinfection method for municipal water supplies.
- Bottled Water: The presence of chlorine in bottled water can vary. While some use reverse osmosis or distillation to remove chlorine, others may be sourced from tap water, potentially treated with chlorine.
2. Safety of Chlorinated Water:
- The article rightly mentions that chlorinated water is generally safe to drink. Regulatory bodies like the U.S. EPA set limits (up to 4 milligrams per liter) to ensure safety.
- Importance of Filters: The article highlights the need for proper filtration to maintain safe chlorine levels for consumption.
3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Chlorinated Water:
- Advantages: Reduced bacteria and viruses, residual protection, lower incidence of diarrheal diseases, and eliminated contaminants.
- Disadvantages: Altered taste and smell, effectiveness in certain water sources, need for constant quality control, and potential long-term effects of chlorination by-products.
Alternative Drinking Water Options
1. Spring Water:
- Sourced from clean underground water, spring water is free from chlorine and may contain natural minerals. However, it can be expensive.
2. Mineral Water:
- Bottled at the source with natural minerals, mineral water can have health benefits but may be costlier and raise concerns about sodium levels and microplastics.
3. Distilled Water:
- Processed to remove minerals, distilled water lacks taste and may have drawbacks like high acidity. It is considered a healthy option but may not be suitable for everyone.
4. Water Filtration Systems:
- Advanced filtration, as provided by systems like Quench®, eliminates contaminants, bad tastes, and ensures optimum hydration without the risk of unsafe chlorine or fluoride levels.
Choosing the Right Drinking Water Option for Your Business
1. Considerations:
- Bottled water options may not provide certainty about additives and levels. Environmental repercussions, including plastic waste, are also highlighted.
- Cost Efficiency: Bottleless water coolers are presented as a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly solution, offering clean, filtered water directly from the water line.
2. Quench's Solutions:
- Quench is suggested as a reliable provider of bottleless water coolers, emphasizing the benefits of certainty in water treatment, cost savings, and environmental considerations.
In conclusion, the article provides comprehensive insights into the importance of clean drinking water, the presence and safety of chlorine, alternative options, and the advantages of advanced water filtration systems like those offered by Quench. The information is presented in a manner that encourages businesses to make informed decisions about their drinking water choices.
