Introduction to the Hidden Dangers of Office Water Coolers
An office staple could be harboring a gross secret. Many may turn down tap water, but new research shows it could be the safer option. And while bottled water seems like a healthier alternative, one office space fixture is actually holding lots of teeny, tiny bad-for-you unwanted guests.
One fixture of the office space could be holding a dirty little secret in the form of bacteria that’s harmful for your health.
The Water Cooler: A Breeding Ground for Bacteria
The water cooler may be a workplace fixture, but research says you may want to find a new place to congregate and socialize. A comprehensive review of several studies found that water dispensers often show higher levels of bacterial contamination than the tap water feeding them. Published in AIMS Microbiology, the study looked at decades of research on water dispenser contamination across multiple continents.
The Extent of Contamination
Several studies showed high contamination levels of various bacteria, with typically 70% to 80% of dispensers exceeding safety limits across US states and countries. 73% of water dispensers exceeded the EPA’s recommended limit in Arizona, and 32% of water vending machines in the Coachella Valley in California had bacterial growth.
Bacteria were found to grow exponentially more from water coolers and dispensers across the US and the world.
Meanwhile, more than 76% of water dispensers in Brazil had bacteria compared to only 36% of samples from tap water.
The Risks Associated with Contaminated Water Dispensers
Bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa can bring serious risk to immunocompromised people and can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections and urinary tract complications. Coliform bacteria, the most common pathogen found in dispenser samples, can indicate potential fecal contamination in bottled water. The nozzles of dispensers are particularly problematic, as multiple studies found they had 100-fold more contamination and put users at risk for disease transmission as they directly contact this surface when filling a cup or bottle.
The Cause of the Problem: Biofilms
The culprit behind these dangerous germs? Biofilms, or bacterial communities that attach to surfaces like internal tubing, filters and spigots, and protect themselves with a slimy coating. They can regrow in a matter of days, even with thorough cleaning and disinfection. And when these coolers and dispensers aren’t being used after hours or on weekends, stagnant water allows bacteria to multiply. Dispensers also don’t have chlorine, often found in municipal water systems, that can slow bacterial growth.
Factors Contributing to Bacterial Growth
The materials used also matter, as rubber-lined hoses promote growth more than glass or stainless steel surfaces. But despite how popular these coolers are, they don’t have the same regulations as municipal water from the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the water cooler, a common fixture in many offices, can be a breeding ground for bacteria, posing a risk to the health of employees. The presence of biofilms, stagnant water, and the lack of regulations contribute to the high levels of contamination found in water dispensers. It is essential to be aware of these risks and take steps to maintain and clean water coolers regularly to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
FAQs
Q: What is the main cause of bacterial contamination in water coolers?
A: The main cause of bacterial contamination in water coolers is the presence of biofilms, which are bacterial communities that attach to surfaces and protect themselves with a slimy coating.
Q: How often should water coolers be cleaned and disinfected?
A: Water coolers should be cleaned and disinfected regularly, ideally every few days, to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Q: Are all water coolers at risk of contamination?
A: Yes, all water coolers can be at risk of contamination, but the risk can be reduced by regular maintenance, cleaning, and disinfection.
Q: What are the health risks associated with contaminated water coolers?
A: Contaminated water coolers can pose a risk to immunocompromised people and can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and urinary tract complications.
