New York City’s tap water is some of the best in the world due to the high standards the city holds it to. That said, even with the Big Apple’s rigorous water quality standards, many businesses choose to provide an office water cooler service. This decision is about more than just water quality; it’s about employee satisfaction, health, and workplace convenience. In this article, we’ll look at why NYC tap water might not be enough for all office environments, the benefits of filtered water in the workplace, and why office water cooler services are a smart choice for NYC businesses.
NYC’s Tap Water
NYC’s tap water is sourced primarily from upstate reservoirs in the Catskill, Delaware, and Croton watersheds, stretching over 125 miles from the city. Even though it’s incredibly pure to begin with, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) does over 100,000 tests on it every year. NYC tap water is also treated with chlorine, UV light, and food-grade phosphoric acid, and it meets strict EPA standards. As a result, the water is safe and refreshing for everyday use by most NYC residents.
However, contaminants can get into the water as it travels through pipes, potentially affecting its quality by the time it reaches office buildings. This is especially true in older buildings with aging infrastructure, where impurities like lead and other metals can leach into the water. Many businesses, particularly those in older buildings, see filtered water options for New York offices as a smart solution to these potential issues, reassuring employees that they’re drinking high-quality water.
Why Choose an Office Water Cooler Service?
OSHA doesn’t require employers to provide bottled water or coolers if tap water meets health standards, but it does require all employees to have access to potable water. Tap water generally meets these standards in NYC offices, but an office water cooler service for NYC businesses can be a proactive way to boost employee well-being. Here’s why many businesses still see water coolers as a practical and popular choice:
- Supporting Employee Health and Satisfaction
With filtered water available through an office water cooler service, employees have access to water that’s free from any potential contaminants. Although NYC tap water is generally safe, water coolers add an extra layer of filtration, removing trace impurities and improving taste. Studies have shown that employees who stay well-hydrated have more mental clarity, energy, and those lead to more productivity. For businesses, this makes filtered water in the workplace an asset that can help drive better performance and employee satisfaction. - Convenience and Accessibility
Office water coolers make it easy and convenient for employees to stay hydrated throughout the day. With water coolers strategically placed in common areas, employees can fill up without needing to leave the office or wait for tap water to cool down, so they develop better hydration habits. Dedicated water coolers also eliminate long waits, which can be a big help in office settings with a lot of foot traffic. - Modern Hygienic Options
Many office water coolers have touchless dispensers these days, which reduce the risk of germs spreading in shared spaces. Modern work environments are much more health-conscious, so employees will appreciate these more hygienic options for something they’ll use so much.
The Benefits of Filtered Water for Employees
Filtered water offers several health benefits and extra quality assurance that NYC tap water can’t fully guarantee by itself because of the potential contaminants in older building pipes. Here’s how filtered water from an office water cooler benefits employees and businesses alike:
- Enhanced Taste and Hydration
Additional filtration in water coolers improves the taste and odor of water by removing substances like chlorine, which can affect flavor. Better-tasting water causes employees to drink more, so they remain hydrated, energized, and focused throughout the day. For many offices, understanding how office water coolers improve employee health plays a big role in making the decision to provide filtered water. - Reduction of Contaminants
Filtered water effectively removes impurities that may be present in tap water, including lead, chlorine, and other minerals. In older buildings, where the plumbing is more likely to deteriorate, reducing these impurities is especially important for keeping employees healthy and safe from these harmful substances. - A Sound Health Investment
While an office water cooler service might seem expensive at first, it often saves businesses money in the long run. Offering high-quality water reduces the need for employees to buy bottled water, which can lead to significant waste and added costs. Furthermore, by encouraging hydration, companies may see a decrease in health-related productivity issues. Dehydrated employees can be more susceptible to fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating, all of which impact overall productivity.
Weighing the Choice for Your Office
Given NYC’s generally high tap water quality, some offices might wonder whether they need an extra water service. However, companies focused on employee health and convenience tend to find that an office water cooler service provides advantages that go beyond basic water quality. It demonstrates to employees that their wellness matters and promotes a culture of health in the workplace.
An office water cooler service can provide NYC offices with increased health benefits, convenience, and a sense of reassurance, especially when the quality of plumbing may not guarantee pure water at every tap. For businesses that prioritize employee wellness and productivity, investing in filtered, accessible water is a simple yet impactful decision.
Resources:
https://www.osha.com/blog/water-requirements
https://www.nyc.gov/site/dep/about/drinking-water-supply-quality-report.page
https://aquafrescanj.com/drinking-water-quality/
