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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!
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).
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!
There are a number of important things to bear in mind before putting the outdoor springs back into operation for another season. Proper preparation of the equipment will guarantee trouble-free and safe use. It is not enough to simply reconnect the water supply... It is very important to disinfect the body, bowls and spouts and to flush out the internal installation. If you are wondering how to do all this correctly, we recommend contacting our representatives - our service advise you, provide useful instructions and guidelines. And the best thing is to take advantage of our expert assistance and be sure that your equipment will run smoothly and that its use will be hygienic and reliable.
Contact us and find out more!
HFS system - see details Foundation slab - see details Drainage valve - see details
With the start of the season, many people are thinking about how to prepare outdoor springs and water stations for the coming spring and summer period. This is a time of increased activity, with residents eager to go for walks, to parks and promenades and to playgrounds. We can also see increased traffic in other places, such as railway stations and town squares. In order to ensure hygienic and trouble-free operation of the equipment, we invite you to take advantage of our maintenance services.
Regular maintenance, cleaning and cyclic sanitising of the facilities is a must. To ensure high water purity and bacteriological safety, this should be carried out at least once a year. Only then can we be sure that the water from springs and outdoor stations is of the right quality. All work is carried out by a specialised team. Our professionals thoroughly inspect each device and use tested and manufacturer-recommended products when carrying out the treatment.. The professional cleaning and disinfection of the appliances and the inspection of the installation includes, among other things, an examination of the condition of the spout or a check of the tightness of the seals. The service also includes re-commissioning and adjustment - the appliances are fitted correctly to ensure user safety.
We offer our customers both a one-off service and long-term contracts that provide periodic maintenance regardless of the equipment manufacturer.
SERVICE DEPARTMENT CONTACT:
e-mail: [email protected]
tel: +48 771 04 56 ext. 160
Tel: +48 600 212 709
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!
The emergence of the covid virus in the world has forced new behaviour in society and the use of solutions that we would not even have thought of before. As far as our business is concerned, we have introduced touchless dispensers, rinse-and-drop systems and improved cleaning and sanitisation services for dispensers. All in order to be able to use water dispensers in a safe and hygienic way. After all, access to drinking water must also be ensured in times of epidemics. At the turn of November and December 2020, i.e. at the very peak of the third wave of the pandemic in Poland, we faced the installation of wall-mounted and floor-standing drinking water dispensers in a rather original location, namely in one of the units of the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Border Guard Unit.
We are the leader in the installation of drinking water springs and distributors in Poland. We know this really well, and we are constantly extending the range of our services and adapting them to the needs and expectations of our customers. The appearance of the covid virus in the world has forced new behaviour in society and the use of solutions that we would not have even thought of before. As far as our business is concerned, we have introduced touchless devices, rinse-and-drain systems and improved our cleaning and sanitising services. All in order to be able to use water dispensers in a safe and hygienic way. After all, access to drinking water must also be ensured in times of epidemics.
At the turn of November and December 2020, i.e. at the very peak of the third wave of the pandemic in Poland, we faced the installation of wall-mounted and floor-standing drinking water dispensers in a rather original location, namely one of the units of the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Border Guard Unit. The tender request came to us a little earlier. The unit already had water dispensers from another manufacturer installed at its premises, but was not satisfied with their operation and service, so decided to make a change.
The equipment requirements were as follows:
Other requirements set by the customer were a fast completion date, the provision of maintenance services in the following years and the smooth execution of the installation of the distributors.
After we received the invitation to submit a bid, our representatives arranged an on-site visit to the unit with the client. The aim was to get to know the specifics of the areas where the equipment was to be placed in order to find the best solutions. This was done by taking measurements and taking photographs, so that a plan of action could be prepared for the client on his return. Of course, everything was done under a precautionary and sanitary regime.
After considering all the bids, the unit decided to choose Topserw, owner of the Zdrojownia brand, as the supplier and installation contractor for the new drinking water dispensers. Our proposal met all expectations, primarily providing touchless solutions, filtration systems and a full range of installation and maintenance services.
At the end of November and the beginning of December 2020, the installation of the equipment took place in accordance with the schedule of activities agreed between the parties. Our service technicians had to carry out their work at strict hours and, due to the nature of the client, also under the constant supervision of border guard personnel. All this was done in order to comply with all on-site procedures.
The installation of the 4 units went smoothly, with acceptance and the signing of the final documents taking place as planned. For our part, we offered the customer special floor mats, which were slip-resistant, prevented any splashing of water and, above all, provided an aesthetically pleasing environment. The equipment itself was labelled according to the customer's specifications.
We will systematically carry out a full service of the equipment, which will not only include checking and adjusting the equipment, but also descaling, cleaning, replacing filters and gas cylinders. Confirmation of the customer's satisfaction with both the equipment and the timely delivery and installation of the equipment is provided by references issued by the unit in April 2021. Our experience in the Warmia and Mazury region shows that we also operate under extreme conditions: in times of pandemics, under time pressure and according to tough customer guidelines. We will also adapt to your requirements.
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 mid-August 2020, the installation of wall-mounted drinking water dispensers was completed at the American School of Warsaw, which is attended by children from different countries, but also by Poles. Among other things, the school is counted among the prestigious ones because it guarantees a high level of education and the best equipment. In connection with the coronavirus pandemic and increased school safety standards, the school management decided to dismantle the existing drinking water sources and install modern touchless drinking water dispensers. Now every pupil will be able to conveniently fill his or her bidon or bottle with clean and fresh drinking water while maintaining the highest level of hygiene while on the premises. The dispensers have also been installed in the kindergarten area, but you can find out the details by reading the case study below. The material is well worth reading!
While education is free in Poland, the market for private schools-non-public in Polish-is growing. Parents are willing to pay upwards of $25,000 per year so their children can experience more individualized attention and gain skills that are not taught in public schools.
The American School in Warsaw, Poland, is one such private school. There, students are offered both an American High School Diploma and the International Baccalaureate Diploma. The American School prepares students for colleges and universities around the world. In addition to an American standard of education, the school must meet American plumbing standards and codes.
The American School installed standard bubbler drinking fountains throughout the school just five years ago. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Polish government ordered all bubbler fountains to be disabled for fear of the spread of bacteria and germs. However, doing away with drinking water was not an option. The school manager was looking for a no-touch solution to provide students and faculty with fresh, clean drinking water, and they needed the solution in just a few weeks-before the school opened.
He did what anyone would do these days and Googled his options. On the first page of search results, he found Topserw , owner of the Spas brand, which is Murdock's European distributor based in Poland.
Topserw met with the school administration, toured the building, and laid out a plan. That plan included 50 H2O-to-Go!® Sensor-Operated Water Refill Stations (BF16) installed at 25 locations.
"Because the school must meet American standards, the fountains needed to be ADA-compliant," said Grzegorz Draniczarek, Topserw's business development manager.
Topserw is well informed of American building standards and requirements, so they included in their plan both high and low units to serve both adults and children and meet ADA requirements, as well.
Draniczarek explained, "In Poland, we do not have ADA regulations as you do in the U.S., and the school, while they knew these standards exist, was not familiar with how to implement them. We educated them on what was required."
Not only did they educate them on the ADA requirements, but Topserw also completed all the required paperwork, including translating and filling out special certifications so the Murdock bottle fillers could be sold in Poland. Topserw also translated all instructions for the bottle fillers into Polish.
In high-traffic areas, such as outside of the gymnasium and theatres, the bottle fillers include counters to track the number of bottles filled each day.
"From the signing of the contract to the completed installation, the job was done in just three weeks," said Marta Lachowska, Topserw's product manager of drinking fountains. "This wasn't just a simple installation. The existing freestanding units had floor inlets and outlets. The new units required the plumbing to be moved to the wall."
"It was an extremely difficult project, first removing the old appliances, re-locating the plumbing, and then installing our new units. You can imagine how time-consuming it was. But our team is very experienced, and we managed to do it in one week," added Lachowska.
In addition to preparing and installing the units, Topserw added water treatment solutions, sent the water for third-party purity testing, and procured anti-slip mats with the school logo and logos for the filtration units and Topserw.
In addition to the tight timeline, Topserw had other challenges that might seem familiar from your own projects. There was no one point of contact, and Lachowska said it was like having four cooks in the kitchen. It was not unusual to field 7:00 p.m. frantic phone calls from the school's maintenance department because the water was shut off, and they couldn't fill the pool.
Topserw was confident in their knowledge and abilities and worked through these disruptions and concerns flawlessly.
Lachowska said that everyone has a reusable water bottle in the American School. There, unlike most Polish schools, drinking tap water is as expected for students and staff as it is here in the U.S.
Draniczarek said that the work they are doing at the American School could apply a new standard in the Polish market.
"We can show that these products are necessary and that it's essential to have them in schools. Right now, indoor and outdoor drinking fountains are not a common solution in Poland like they are in the U.S., France, and even in the U.K.," said Draniczarek.
To that end, during the last six years, Topserw has been working with the water supply companies and government to promote the concept that tap water is perfectly safe to drink and a refreshing and healthy alternative to sugary drinks.
To meet the tight timeline, Topserw relied on their close relationship with Murdock. To speed up shipping and customs, Topserw ordered the battery packs required for the units separately from the bottle fillers themselves and then assembled them in their shop. That alone saved two to three weeks in shipping.
Topserw keeps their warehouse stocked with Murdock parts and fixtures at all times in order to deliver the quick turnaround times and excellent customer service their clients have come to expect. However, in these uncertain times you just never know what someone will need.
"During a pandemic, you cannot predict what people will want, and we don't have every option in stock in our shop. We made the strategic decision to work closely with Murdock to be able to satisfy short lead times whether the product is in stock or not," said Lachowska. "Customers don't want to wait 2-3 months for a product, which is typical when ordering from the U.S. Thanks to that support from and collaboration with Murdock, we are able to be successful."
That relationship is a huge competitive advantage for both Topserw and Murdock. Because of the flexibility and short lead times, Topserw can win jobs over its competitors. Their excellence in customer service probably has a lot to do with winning those bids, as well.
Lachowska credits International Account Manager Li Bar-Shai and Hortensia Upchurch, general manager at Fabricacion y Manufacturas de Mexico, with a fast turnaround.
"They made miracles happen in just two days," said Lachowska.
While the American School did not require extensive modifications on the units themselves, Topserw and Murdock are fully equipped to provide customisations for their customers.
Topserw has the engineering experience and knowledge to adapt to customers' unique needs and deliver a product with minor adjustments or extensive customisation depending on the situation.
Murdock Manufacturing's spirit of innovation makes us eager to take on custom projects, and we are happy to work with a company as knowledgeable and competent as Topserw to design a product that meets the customer's special requirements.
This was a difficult job due to the tight timeline and the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus. Not only were Topserw crews limited as to the hours they could work in the school, they also had to have their temperatures checked regularly and work in masks at all times-despite the 90-degree Fahrenheit weather conditions.
Despite the challenges, Topserw managed to pull the entire job off on budget and on time. Their hard work paid off in a two-year maintenance contract with the school, and there are plans to install outdoor bottle fillers (M-OBF4 Series or GYM74 Series and a few BF16s) next spring.
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