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In this section you will find a range of practical information related to our solutions. In the articles, we share our experience, discuss implementation steps and highlight good practices. It is a reliable source of information and advice on the provision of drinking water in public spaces, the legal regulations in this area, the benefits of installing drinking water dispensers and the technological aspects in this field.
We look forward to reading!
Drinking tap water is becoming more and more popular every year. Some drink it for the sake of saving money, others for the sake of the environment. Still others choose to drink tap water simply because it tastes good. Despite this, there are still many myths circulating about the quality of tap water. People repeat rumours that it is poor in minerals, contaminated, unfit for consumption and sometimes even poisonous. What is it like in reality? Is drinking tap water healthy?
Myths about tap water are usually repeated by people who remember the communist era in our country. At that time, it was not uncommon to see murky, smelly water with a strong smell of chlorine coming out of the tap. Such water was undrinkable and everyone was aware of this.
Today, however, much has changed in this respect. Water treatment systems have undergone extensive modernisation, so that the quality of the tap water has improved significantly. What's more, the regulations imposed by the European Union are very strict and force us to make sure that the water meets the relevant requirements. Thanks to this water in Polish taps is not only drinkable, but also rich in minerals and simply tasty. The problem of external contamination is marginal, affecting only 0.3%.
There is no doubt that with the current restrictive regulations on tap water quality, it is completely safe and healthy to consume. It contains many valuable micronutrients that are responsible for the proper functioning of our body.
Contrary to oft-repeated myths drinking tap water does not promote the formation of kidney stones - There are no studies to support this theory in any way.
The argument about the high harmfulness of chlorine in tap water is also untrue. Although it is indeed used to disinfect water, the amount is negligible, strictly regulatedso that it is still safe for health.
Some people believe that even if tap water is drinkable it is of little value. However, such thinking is wrong - the composition of tap water is not very different from bottled water. What is more, ordinary tap water often performs better in terms of mineral concentration. It contains calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, sulphur, copper and potassium, among others.
The composition of tap water varies, depending on the city. In Poland the best water quality is in Krakow, the Tricity, Poznan, Warsaw, Lodz and Katowice. It is not uncommon for it to be of much better quality than most spring water available on the market. In practice, this means that the main argument of those opposed to drinking tap water about its poor quality is simply false.
Those who have been using tap water for years need no convincing as to why it is worth drinking tap water. But what can convince those who prefer bottled water? We have already written about the fact that tap water is a healthy alternative to bottled water and sweetened drinks above. What other arguments are worth considering?
First of all drinking tap water is much more environmentally friendly. In this way, we reduce the amount of plastic we use, which litters our planet, and we also reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting bottled water. So in this day and age, with more and more people concerned about the environment, drinking tap water is becoming the norm.
Just as importantly, by forgoing the purchase of bottled water in favour of tap water you can save a lot of money in the household budget. Often the crowning argument against tap water is the love of carbonated water. These days, however there is nothing to prevent sparkling water from being prepared at home using tap water. By buying a modern water dispenser, we can get exactly the water we want in no time: chilled, heated and carbonated. Such a device is aesthetically pleasing, does not take up much space and enables hygienic tap water intake. So there is nothing stopping you from taking care of the environment, saving money and starting to drink tap water!
In this section you will find a range of practical information related to our solutions. In the articles, we share our experience, discuss implementation steps and highlight good practices. It is a reliable source of information and advice on the provision of drinking water in public spaces, the legal regulations in this area, the benefits of installing drinking water dispensers and the technological aspects in this field.
We look forward to reading!
Access to fresh water is extremely important, not only during hot weather. Adequate hydration is crucial for our health and well-being. A sip of cool, bubbly water can bring relief and quench thirst. With a sparkling water dispenser, you don't have to worry about the logistics and carry bags of spare water. Refreshment is at your fingertips - in the office, at home or in the office. How does a sparkling water dispenser work and why is it worth investing in one?
Most people associate water dispensers with large, plastic devices with a huge bottle attached. Such a sight could until recently be found in many offices, offices or public places. Today, however, it is a thing of the past, and the water dispensers have undergone a real makeover. Not only do they fit in much better with their surroundings, thanks to their elegant design, but they also have many more functions and are much greener.
Modern dispensers offer the possibility of instant acquisition of cool, hot, room-temperature and also carbonated water. The dispenser is connected to the running water mains, from which it draws water. Then, inside, the water is heated, cooled or carbonated and goes into our cups and bottles. The whole process takes just a fraction of a second, and we can enjoy delicious carbonated water almost immediately.
Due to the growing demand for sparkling water dispensers Whether for offices and offices or for private homes, the industry is growing rapidly. Not only do we have all sorts of shapes and colours to choose from, which will fit perfectly into any interior design, but also a whole range of functionalities. The most common type of device is, of course, the free-standing carbonated water dispenserwhich is simply placed on the floor, usually in the kitchen or corridor.
In addition to these, there are also compact dispensers, which look like coffee machines and are placed on a countertop or table. As a result, they take up less space and are ideal for offices and private homes.
Innovative wall-mounted and recessed sparkling water dispensers are another option. These allow the filling of carafes, bidons and bottles. Such devices are ideal for locations where a free-standing dispenser is not the safest choice. For this reason, they are most often chosen for offices, offices, schoolsflats or medical facilities. Although they look inconspicuous, they enjoy very good performance - depending on the model, they are able to provide fresh, chilled, sparkling water at up to 150 litres per hour.
Dispensers also differ in the way they operate. On the market, you can find very convenient touchless carbonated water dispensers, which have a keypad activated from a distance of 1.5 cm. This is an extremely convenient and hygienic solution, especially in the case of sparkling water dispensers located in areas accessible to the public, such as offices, hospitals, offices or health facilities.
Drinking bottled water or using traditional bottled water dispensers is hard to talk about going green. Such activities produce tonnes of plastic waste, which is not neutral for our environment. By using bottleless carbonated water dispensers we can significantly reduce the amount of waste produced, thus contributing to the welfare of the environment.
Modern units are connected directly to the mains water supply, using high quality tap water that is completely safe for health. This not only reduces waste, but also removes the logistical problem of having to order and store bottled water. This also promotes savings, so that the purchase of a sparkling water dispenser pays for itself in an instantboth in the office and at home.
In this section you will find a range of practical information related to our solutions. In the articles, we share our experience, discuss implementation steps and highlight good practices. It is a reliable source of information and advice on the provision of drinking water in public spaces, the legal regulations in this area, the benefits of installing drinking water dispensers and the technological aspects in this field.
We look forward to reading!
Providing employees with constant access to drinking water is one of the basic obligations of every employer under health and safety legislation. The best way to fulfil this obligation is through an office water dispenser. Contrary to what you may think, however, choosing the right water supplier is not that simple. Before making a decision, it is important to consider what you specifically expect from the device and what kind of water you need. How do you choose a water dispenser for the office and what features should you look out for?
Traditional bottle dispensers, although slightly more environmentally friendly than bottled water, actually still contribute a lot of waste to the environment. This makes it increasingly common for businesses to turn to modern and much more environmentally friendly solutions such as bottleless dispensers. They have many more options and, above all, significantly reduce plastic waste. What does a bottleless water dispenser for the office consist of?
The unit needs to be connected to the water intake and electricity, after which it is immediately ready for use. This allows you to enjoy good quality, healthy tap water, which is often of better quality than the popular spa waters available on the market. In addition, it is possible to install an advanced filtration system that cleans the water from various impurities on an ongoing basis. This solution is therefore much more convenient than bottle dispensers, and also much more economical and environmentally friendly than buying ready-made bottled water. In this way, you can easily contribute to the environment by also reducing the costs associated with transporting, storing and purchasing drinking water for employees.
It is worth noting how modern appliances save energy and water. Features such as an innovative cooling system or portion control make it even more energy-efficient.
Above all, this equipment does not have to be limited to serving cold and hot water. By investing in good quality water dispenser for the office, you can have access to chilled, carbonated, lightly carbonated or hot water - all within one dispenser, without having to limit your choices. By reaching for this type of professional dispenser, you don't have to worry about having to buy carbonated bottled water - staff and customers have all the available options at hand.
It is also worth paying attention to whether the company you choose offers professional servicing and installation of equipment if you need it. This type of support usually speaks well of the company and avoids problems in the event of some failure.
Another aspect is also hygiene - when using traditional dispensers you usually have to reckon with the fact that they are not very hygienic to use. Bottle-free dispensers for the office can also include a flushing system for the dispenser, which keeps the unit clean and prevents water stagnation in the system, thus guaranteeing hygienic water intake.
There is no denying that when it comes to dispensers located in offices, aesthetics play a relatively important role. Popular bottle dispensers not only fit poorly into the overall interior design, giving the impression of a mismatched, tacky addition, but can also cause problems when it comes to storing and replacing gallons of water.
Inadequate storage conditions can adversely affect water quality, and the need to change cylinders can often be problematic for office workers due to the heavy weight of a full gallon. When choosing a water dispenser for the office, it is therefore worth paying attention to how the dispenser looks and whether it fits in with the overall design of the room. This is particularly important if the water is used not only by employees, but also by visitors and customers.
You don't have to rely on boring, unsightly plastic dispensers. There are plenty of designer and modern water dispensers for the office on the market today. On selected models, there is also the option to change the colour of the casing to make the dispenser match your office even better.
In this section you will find a range of practical information related to our solutions. In the articles, we share our experience, discuss implementation steps and highlight good practices. It is a reliable source of information and advice on the provision of drinking water in public spaces, the legal regulations in this area, the benefits of installing drinking water dispensers and the technological aspects in this field.
We look forward to reading!
We discuss the issue of making drinking water available on campuses and in schools - how the right educational process and awareness-building influences young people's informed choice between bottled water and tap water.
Although the information presented below refers to the situation in the United States, similar problems also occur in Europe. In Poland, too, despite extensive educational and information campaigns, the prevailing belief is that tap water is unfit for drinking. However, with systematic work and the introduction of appropriate solutions, we are able to change habits and thus introduce real changes in our environment. We encourage you to read on.
After reviewing several studies conducted at different universities around the world, the researchers found that perceptions of water quality determine the choice between bottled water and tap water.
These perceptions include the taste, appearance and smell of the water and whether people think the water is safe to drink. Other factors come down to personal preference, convenience and price.
Interestingly, among the participants in the Mexico City study, although many survey participants said they believed tap water was safe, 62% said they could not be sure that the water distributed at university water stations was safe. Of those who were unsure, 76% said they did not even know where to find this information.
This means that only 20% participants believe that the quality of bottled water is better than tap water. The study states: "This condition is closely related to perceived health risks, the presence of contaminants and other factors that may be hidden. Consumers generally do not have enough information to support such an argument'.
The survey shows us that even if people think their tap water is safe, they have no evidence to support this opinion. On the one hand, they have been told that their water is safe, and on the other they have heard story after story about contaminated water sources. No wonder there is so much confusion.
So it's no surprise that even those concerned about the amount of plastic in the environment are reaching for bottled water from general shops. Firstly, it is readily available, and secondly, 'better safe than sorry'.
Overcoming this belief can be as simple as providing students, staff and lecturers with up-to-date information on the water quality of the system and making it easily accessible. Where can this information be found?
In the US, the EPA requires public water supplies to be clean and safe. Each utility must provide a Consumer Confidence Report (an annual report on drinking water quality) each July.
These reports include information such as the source of the drinking water, any risk of contamination of that source, levels of any contaminants in the drinking water, information on nitrate, arsenic or lead in areas where these contaminants may be a problem, and much more.
Although these reports are provided to customers annually, they are readily available on the water supplier's website and through the EPA.
What these reports do not show is the deterioration of water quality once it leaves the water supply. After leaving the water mains and passing through lead plumbing parts (pipes, fittings and fixtures), the water can become contaminated. The water must be tested at the facility and at the fittings to determine these risks. However, there are no federal guidelines for this type of testing.
Some states and school districts have regulations on how often water must be tested for lead, but some do not, and the decision is left to individual schools. For schools that want to implement a testing procedure, the EPA has a toolkit for increasing access to drinking water in schools, which includes information on how to report test results, both positive and negative.
As the survey referred to earlier shows, respondents said they did not have information about the water quality on their campus or know where to find it. University and college campuses can quickly rectify this. Up-to-date information can be posted next to hydration stations. You can create eye-catching posters with basic information to reassure students, faculty and staff, and provide a QR code to access detailed test results. You can even go a step further by ordering water coolers and bottle fillers with filtration systems.
Only a few universities have implemented a ban on single-use plastic bottles. While students like the idea and usually drive change, it is not always practical. Some of the biggest hurdles to overcome are schools' contracts with drinks companies supplying bottled water and fizzy drinks, juices and energy drinks. There is also the concern that if you eliminate water as an option in campus vending machines, students will be forced to choose less healthy options. Of course, installing hydration stations that provide students with easy access to water can alleviate this problem.
Even if you do not see a way to ban plastic water bottles on campus, you can learn how to reduce their use from schools that are successfully implementing total bans.
Partnerships to Uplift Communities (PUC) Schools, a not-for-profit organisation of 14 schools authorised by the Los Angeles Unified School District, has succeeded in introducing a total ban on single-use plastic bottles.
We understand that bans in primary and secondary schools are very different to those in universities, but remember that these students will soon be your students. Plastic water bottle bans will be their set expectations.
While we cannot help with the first component, we can satisfy the second and point in the right direction for the third.
Murdock Manufacturing develops and manufactures durable reusable bottle filling stations, ideal for schools of all types. They are sensor-controlled to prevent the spread of germs and deliver water in line with safety regulations for lead-free products.
Regarding the third point, environmental education, we recommend contacting your local water authority. Either they will have materials to give you, or they will point you to an organisation that deals with this kind of thing all the time.
Contact us if you have any questions about how indoor/outdoor bottle filling stations, water dispensers and drinking fountains can help your campus reduce single-use plastic bottles.
The case study described comes from the USA from our manufacturer Murdock. Original text available HERE.
In this section you will find a range of practical information related to our solutions. In the articles, we share our experience, discuss implementation steps and highlight good practices. It is a reliable source of information and advice on the provision of drinking water in public spaces, the legal regulations in this area, the benefits of installing drinking water dispensers and the technological aspects in this field.
We look forward to reading!
At the start of the pandemic and then during the period when the younger classes returned to school buildings, springs and water dispensers were shut down top-down. Fortunately, the pandemic period is behind us and the school walls resound with the bustle of children. While water consumption is not so high in autumn and winter, it is already warm enough in May or June, for example, that children need more water. What everyone has brought from home is not always enough. In addition, some children are in school for up to eight hours, so after that time any water is simply unpalatable, let alone of good quality. The institutions themselves often have no idea how to effectively provide water for the children - buying bottled water was not only expensive, but also not very environmentally friendly. Many people wondered what about water sources and dispensers in schools. Can they be used? What is the position of the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Information Society on this issue. We already have an answer on this subject.
"...The Department of Environmental Hygiene of the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate kindly informs you that the legislation does not prohibit the operation of drinking troughs in schools."....
"...the requirements for water distribution facilities to prepare them for restarting after a prolonged break in service are outlined in the document 'Principles for making tap water available to children in school and educational institutions'..."
The full content of the letter we received from the GIS is available from our representatives. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with its contents.
New guidance for school operations in 2021/2022 - what about sources?
"If drinking water springs or fountains are in operation at the school, the decision to use them must be subject to an ongoing assessment that takes into account the current epidemiological situation. The provision of facilities distributing tap water for drinking is acceptable. It is recommended that pupils use non-contact drinking water springs and fountains or other distributors under the supervision of a supervisor. Safe forms and hygiene and sanitation recommendations for making tap water available to children are indicated on the GIS website https://www.gov.pl/web/gis/fontanny-z-woda-do-picia-dystrybutory-wody-zrodelka-udostepnianie-wody-do-spozycia-w-placowkach-oswiaty."
This is exactly what para. 35 of the MEiN, MZ and GIS Guidelines for primary and secondary schools - full stationary mode. It is clear from this provision that, unlike in 2020, water springs and dispensers can be put into operation in schools and children can use them, subject, of course, to certain new requirements.
Already earlier GIS recommendations on this type of equipment clearly indicated the need for proper cleaning and sanitisation. On the one hand, the cleaning should be effective and regular, on the other hand, it should be carried out with means that do not affect the quality of the water abstracted and do not damage the device. Every year, we send our customers a reminder to inspect and clean their equipment after a prolonged shutdown, as was the case last year, and to carry out disinfection and sanitisation of the equipment. For the latter, we recommend using professionals such as our service technicians, who not only know how to sanitise properly, but also have the necessary equipment and resources to do so.
Read more about sanitising and cleaning springs
One of the government's recommendations, is to use contactless devices to reduce the risk of transmitting bacteria and viruses using hands. Even before the pandemic, our range included dispensers and touchless devices. More for convenience of use than for safety. But 2020 changed everything and the range of touchless solutions became a real hit so it was extended. You can find it by clicking HERE.
Feel free to contact us to find out more details about our offer, legal requirements and interesting facts about water and water distribution equipment.
In this section you will find a range of practical information related to our solutions. In the articles, we share our experience, discuss implementation steps and highlight good practices. It is a reliable source of information and advice on the provision of drinking water in public spaces, the legal regulations in this area, the benefits of installing drinking water dispensers and the technological aspects in this field.
We look forward to reading!
In order to meet the expectations of our audience, as well as all those interested in the subject of drinking water and its provision in public places, we have prepared practical e-books, divided by topic, addressing important issues such as the selection and installation of water dispensers and sprinklers. A must have for starters is the e-book on the advantages and benefits of drinking water. Other important issues include the selection and proper installation of drinking water dispensers to ensure trouble-free use also by people with disabilities. It is also worth familiarising yourself with the contents of the guide on the new EU Water Directive, which came into force in January 2021 and imposes new requirements and standards on Member States.
What questions are answered in our e-books?
You will find the answers to these and many other questions in our specially prepared information and teaching materials. Collected in practical e-books, in which we share our knowledge on various topics. We are successively creating further guides to provide all those interested with the information they need to answer many of their questions about drinking water, its quality or accessibility in public places.
To receive the e-book, simply address an email to: [email protected] with the title of the chosen guide. The title appears below each image. If you are interested in more than one e-book, simply send one email, writing the selected titles in the title in turn. Feel free to contact us.
| Directive (EU) 2020/2184 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2020 on the quality of water intended for human consumption in the context of making water available in public spaces - regulations, selection of equipment, implementation | Design of tap water outlets in terms of the provisions on persons with disabilities | Discover the benefits of drinking tap water! |
| Title: DIRECTIVE Click on the title above | Title: DISABLED Click on the title above | Title: WATER Click on the title above |
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In this section you will find a range of practical information related to our solutions. In the articles, we share our experience, discuss implementation steps and highlight good practices. It is a reliable source of information and advice on the provision of drinking water in public spaces, the legal regulations in this area, the benefits of installing drinking water dispensers and the technological aspects in this field.
We look forward to reading!
Ubiquitous plastic packaging is slowly becoming the bane of humanity. A solution that has revolutionised the packaging industry over the years has contributed to massive pollution of our planet and environmental devastation. Plastic bottles are one of the most commonly used single-use plastic items on Europe's beaches. With concern for our environment in mind, the European Parliament has advocated that instead of buying bottled water, we should start drinking water straight from the tap. Not only is tap water much cheaper and better for the environment, but it is often of the same quality, and often better, than water in a plastic bottle. Spas, springs and drinking water stations are proven and safe solutions that contribute to reducing plastic waste entering the environment, and are therefore ideally suited to buildings seeking eco-certification.
Horrifying photos and videos can be found on the internet showing beaches, seas, islands, 'drowned' in plastic waste. Animals are no longer just killed by fishing nets, but also suffocated or trapped in plastic bags and packaging. All this is also affecting our health, as fish and seafood, which are considered valuable and desirable for our bodies, are even stuffed with plastic. Since animals eat plastic, it ends up in the human body.
One of the reasons for the record amounts of plastic waste in the environment is the huge number of plastic bottles and drinking straws. The increased popularity of drinking water, has contributed to the production of record amounts of plastic bottles not only in large but also in small capacities. When buying another bottle of water, few people consider how dramatic this is for our planet. The production of bottled water alone generates huge amounts of pollution, and the plastic packaging even inundates us.
Plastic bottles are one of the most commonly used single-use plastic items on Europe's beaches. With concern for our environment in mind, the European Parliament has advocated that instead of buying bottled water, we should start drinking water straight from the tap. Not only is tap water much cheaper and better for the environment, but it is often of the same quality, and often better, than water in a plastic bottle. According to the European Commission, households can save more than €600 million a year by drinking tap water.
There has therefore been widespread public outcry over the draft new legislation, which is intended to help reduce plastic waste in the environment and encourage the public to switch to water straight from the mains. A very important issue in this regard is education, which will increase public confidence in drinking tap water. Introducing limits and a ban on plastic cutlery and packaging are other steps that could make everyone think for a moment about the tonnes of plastic in the environment and decide to change their behaviour.
All of this is primarily to influence the commitment of countries to provide unlimited access to drinking water in cities and public places. As a solution, they put forward drinking water dispensers and stations, whereby anyone can drink water directly from the dispenser in a convenient and hygienic way (without using a cup or bottle), or fill up a bottle. MEPs are encouraging tap water to be served in restaurants, either free of charge or for a token amount. This is an expression of customer care and a response to growing expectations from the public.
Drinking water springs, fountains and stations are proven and safe solutions for providing unlimited access to drinking water in public spaces. They are part of ecological and health-oriented trends. They contribute to the reduction of plastic waste entering the environment and are therefore ideally suited for buildings seeking eco-certification. In addition, they are great solutions for fulfilling the obligation to make water available to children in schools or employees in workplaces. As you can see, thanks to the tap water distribution equipment we offer, you can adapt your company, building, office or city to the upcoming requirements efficiently and without problems.
Be eco-friendly and invest in tap water dispensers and you will not only gain health but also save a lot.
In this section you will find a range of practical information related to our solutions. In the articles, we share our experience, discuss implementation steps and highlight good practices. It is a reliable source of information and advice on the provision of drinking water in public spaces, the legal regulations in this area, the benefits of installing drinking water dispensers and the technological aspects in this field.
We look forward to reading!
If we want to provide access to drinking water for our employees, customers or guests, we do not have to opt for unattractive, unhygienic and cumbersome bottle dispensers. We do not have to rely solely on the expensive purchase of bottled water, which additionally contributes to generating large amounts of plastic waste into the environment. No more having to stockpile cartons or gallons of water - their improper storage, unfortunately, has a negative impact on water quality. It is time to bet on modern and environmentally friendly solutions! We have prepared a brand new brochure for offices, offices and workplaces, in which we have gathered the best devices for such facilities. These are water dispensers that not only dispense drinking water, but also have various functions: cooling, gassing, heating or portioning. Discover the benefits of our solutions and be sure to take a look at our latest catalogue and brochure.
In this section you will find a range of practical information related to our solutions. In the articles, we share our experience, discuss implementation steps and highlight good practices. It is a reliable source of information and advice on the provision of drinking water in public spaces, the legal regulations in this area, the benefits of installing drinking water dispensers and the technological aspects in this field.
We look forward to reading!
Tap water sprinklers have established themselves on the Polish market for good. They are appearing in places such as parks, playgrounds, outdoor gyms, boulevards and town squares. The European Commission is preparing changes to the law that will not only determine the quality of the water flowing in our taps, but also guarantee access to drinking water for everyone - adults, children, the elderly and people with disabilities. We offer a number of solutions that meet these requirements, but we encourage you to first familiarise yourself with the guidelines that springs, sprinklers and tap water dispensers should meet so that everyone who wants to drink clean water can use them.
Tap water sprinklers have established themselves on the Polish market for good. They are appearing in places such as parks, playgrounds, outdoor gyms, boulevards or town and city squares. In addition, the regulations on public access to drinking water are set to change in 2018. The regulations, which the European Commission is proposing to update, aim to improve the quality and safety of water but, above all, guarantee its free access in public spaces. This is why it is so important that the newly built installations provide access for all users, including those with disabilities.
In Poland, the disability law only regulates sanitary installations, i.e. toilets or washbasins; unfortunately, tap water was never included in these regulations.
In the USA, this problem is regulated by the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act (translation: Americans with Disabilities Act). In the absence of legislation in Poland, they provide a kind of guideline for the rules we should follow when making investments in the installation of springs or drinking water springs. These regulations clearly define the height of the installation of the bowls, the free manoeuvring space for wheelchairs or other issues relating to different groups of disabled people.
When designing a public space, we should remember that the tap water dispenser we would like to install should have an additional side bowl to allow easy wheelchair access, and the height of the bowl should be located at the heights shown in the diagram below.
The knee space between the ground line and the bottom edge of the bowl should be 685 mm. The height of the spout from which you drink should be positioned no higher than 915 mm. It should be remembered that the water flow in water spouts is directed upwards, so a bowl mounted too high will not allow a person in a wheelchair to quench their thirst. The direction of the water flow and the position of the spout on the bowl is also very important. A spout with water flowing downwards or mounted on the opposite side of the bowl forces an unnatural body posture that is almost impossible for a person in a wheelchair to reach and often results in the person sitting in the wheelchair not being able to reach the spout with their mouth.
In addition, the space around the sprinkler should be free of barriers such as level differences, walls of any kind or stairs. The spa should be installed on a level and paved surface that allows a wheelchair to drive up without problems.
An important point to bear in mind is that the handicap side bowl should be 430 -485 mm from the wall or body of the unit. This will allow an adult in a wheelchair to drive up freely.
However, public space is not only about wheelchairs. A second group of disabled people are those with limb dysfunctions and paralysis who move around on crutches. These types of people need an additional support or handrail against which they can lean while drinking.
A final group to look out for when installing tap water dispensers are blind, visually impaired and elderly people. For these people, the actuating button should be painted in a colour that contrasts with the colour of the entire housing, and for blind people, a plaque in Braille stating what the device is and what it is used for is standard. This plaque is usually placed adjacent to the bowl or actuating button.
In this section you will find a range of practical information related to our solutions. In the articles, we share our experience, discuss implementation steps and highlight good practices. It is a reliable source of information and advice on the provision of drinking water in public spaces, the legal regulations in this area, the benefits of installing drinking water dispensers and the technological aspects in this field.
We look forward to reading!
At the end of 2020, MEPs passed new legislation to further improve the quality of drinking water, access to it by all citizens and reduce waste from plastic water bottles. According to the new legislation, tap water is simply to be of better quality, free of contaminants and bacteria, and therefore drinkable straight from the tap. It is also part of a strategy to reduce the purchase of water in plastic containers and thus improve the environment. Drinking water is to be not only better, but also publicly available in public spaces, which is the responsibility of the Member States. Read the rest of the article to find out more about the new legislation and who will be obliged to implement it: the city, the water utility, the municipality and the timeframe for implementation.
Don't have time to read?
Watch our short video, from which you will quickly learn more about the latest directive.
On 15 December 2020, the European Parliament adopted a new directive on the quality of water intended for human consumption during its plenary session. The directive came into force 12 days after its publication in the EU Journal, i.e. in January 2021. From then on, member states have 24 months to transpose the directive's provisions into local law. The Directive contains many challenges in terms of coordinating multiple ministries, so member states have already taken steps to organise cooperation between the administrations responsible for health, environment, agriculture, home affairs.
Most people in the European Union have good access to high quality drinking water. More than 98.5 % of drinking water samples tested between 2011 and 2013 met EU standards. The new legislation is expected to increase consumer confidence in drinking tap water, which is much cheaper and better for the environment than bottled water. Member States should ensure access to it in public spaces. This is one element of a strategy to reduce the plastic that enters the environment.
The forthcoming EU Drinking Water Directive establishes minimum quality standards for water intended for human consumption: drinking, cooking and other domestic purposes to protect us from contaminants and bacteria. The new legislation reduces maximum limits for certain contaminants, such as lead, polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), harmful bacteria and endocrine disruptors, and establishes new parameters for monitoring microplastics.
Tap water is cheap and environmentally friendly. To enable and encourage people to drink tap water instead of bottled water, the quality of tap water will be improved by imposing stricter limits on certain contaminants, including lead. According to the new legislation, Member States should ensure universal access to clean water and improve access to water in cities and public places. One solution to this task is to install water drinkers, springs, dispensers or drinking water stations wherever this is technically possible and useful. Water from these facilities would be free of charge. The use of such solutions would take place in parks, town squares, offices, airports or shopping malls. The new legislation is also intended to ensure that tap water is available for free or for a small fee in restaurants, eateries and the provision of catering services.
At the moment, it is not yet known who will be ultimately responsible for bringing cities and municipalities into line with the new regulations. In Poland, it is likely that the act introducing the new regulations will mainly be the Act on collective water supply and the Regulation of the Minister of Health on the quality of water intended for human consumption. Once these have been drafted, we will know whether this obligation will fall on the water supply companies, the local government or the government. But the fact is that it is already worth thinking about the matter and jointly choosing the best solutions in this regard. The Union naturally assumes a transitional period for adapting to the new regulations, but these are not far-reaching deadlines. The set time for implementation is: 12.12.2023 r. Already now, local authorities and water utilities are looking for the best solutions to conveniently and safely provide access to drinking water in the areas of their cities and municipalities.
Zdrojownia is a leader on the Polish market in the distribution of spas, stations and drinking water springs for both outdoor and indoor use. We have the widest selection, the most interesting and proven solutions - safe, ecological and economical. We offer both modern and retro-style sprinklers that blend in perfectly with the architecture of old markets and townhouses. For offices, waiting rooms, etc., we offer beautifully styled, top-quality devices that not only supply tap water, but also cool, gas or heat it. Contact us and together we will choose the best solution for you and your city!
Want to find out even more - read our information brochure (click on image below).
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