Office Water Coolers Show Higher Bacterial Contamination Than Tap Water

Boomsite—Chattanooga, TN

Office Water Coolers Show Higher Bacterial Contamination Than Tap Water

A comprehensive review of 70 global studies reveals office water dispensers often contain more bacterial contamination than municipal tap water. Research found concerning contamination rates worldwide. Brazilian studies showed 76.6% of dispenser samples contained coliform bacteria versus 36.4% in tap water. Swiss researchers detected Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 24.1% of dispensers but only 10% of tap water. In Arizona, 73% of dispenser samples exceeded EPA’s recommended 500 colony-forming units per milliliter limit. Biofilms coating internal tubing and spigots are the main culprits, regrowing within days after cleaning. Unlike municipal water systems with chlorine protection, dispensers lack regulatory oversight and routine testing despite widespread use in offices, schools, and hospitals.

Courtesy of Study Finds

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