Your Office Water Cooler Has a Dirty Secret

Cool It: You’ve heard about chatting with colleagues around the office water cooler. But it’s time for a talk about the water cooler. That break room staple might be dispensing gross and potentially harmful bacteria along with the water. 

The Study: Researchers reviewed roughly 70 studies from around the world. Many samples taken from water-dispensing machines — including both plumbed-in dispensers and bottled water coolers — contained higher levels of microbial contamination than the tap water supplying them. The machines and their parts were breeding grounds for bacteria — especially on the dispenser nozzle. In some instances, contamination levels exceeded safety limits by 70% to 80%, with high levels of biofilms, P. aeruginosa, and coliform bacteria.

The Takeaway: Water machines and coolers are increasingly common in public spaces, especially as single-use plastic bottles decline in popularity. But they’re not always cleaned and disinfected regularly. Even when they are, a Swiss study found that bacteria regrowth can happen within a week. The researchers recommended stricter safety regulations and machines made with antibacterial and biofilm-resistant parts.

Keep in Mind: Water coolers and machines aren’t subject to the same strict oversight and testing as municipal water supplies. For now, good old tap water might be a better bet.