Water cooler, bottled water, filter jug, tap water... What are the best ways to stay hydrated?

What is the best solution for staying hydrated in the workplace, hotel, or restaurant industry?
Whether it's a water cooler for businesses connected to the mains or a fountain with plastic bottles, single-use plastic bottles or glass bottles, filter jugs or even tap water, there is a wide range of choices.
Discover our comparison guide with the advantages, disadvantages, and prices of these different options!

Water coolers: purchase or rental, what budget should you plan for?

Water fountains are a preferred resource for businesses and other establishments such as hotels and restaurants, facilitating access to unlimited supply of neutral-tasting drinking water:

• fresh water, 
• ambient water, 
• hot water or 
• sparkling water, depending on the water fountain model.

To equip your premises with a water cooler, there are two types of water coolers available on the market: water fountains connected to the mains water supply and water coolers with water bottles.
There are two possible solutions with these water coolers: rental and purchase. 

1/ Water fountains connected to the mains 💧

A solution that is popular with businesses, hoteliers, and restaurateurs alike, water coolers connected to the mains water supply are practical, economical, and environmentally responsible, as well as being appreciated for their aesthetic appeal, depending on the model.
The filtration system in this type of fountain retains suspended particles (sand, dust, etc.), chlorine, and its derivatives thanks to a polyethylene membrane and activated carbon, at CASTALIE.

While some people prefer to own a fountain, others prefer to rent one.
So which option should you go for: buying or renting?

Renting a water fountain connected to the mains

The most popular solution among businesses, renting a filtered water fountain provides neutral water in your space, without having to worry about a thing.

👍 Advantages of renting a water fountain connected to the water supply

💰 No additional costs
Renting is the best option if you want to set a specific monthly budget for your water cooler.
Filtration kits and maintenance are included in your contract: the costs are fixed.
What's more, with a mains-connected water cooler, you won't have to buy plastic water bottles (which also makes logistics, management, and stock control easier), and you can use glasses or water bottles instead of plastic cups.
Unlike buying, renting has the added advantage of guaranteeing the water cooler if it stops working properly. However, if you buy a water cooler and it is no longer under warranty, you will have to buy a new one.
By choosing to rent, you can be sure that you won't have to deal with the planned obsolescence of the water cooler!

👎 Disadvantages of renting a water fountain connected to the mains water supply

Renting a water cooler can potentially be more expensive in the long run, although it should be remembered that the cooler will be repaired or replaced if a problem arises. 
It should also be noted that renting is a long-term commitment. The customer commits to a rental period of between one and four years. It is therefore important to be sure that it will be used regularly.

Location: how much should you budget for mains-connected water coolers?

A mains-connected water cooler can be rented for a few dozen euros per month (between €20 and €50) for a basic service with a single temperature setting (usually room temperature). 
A monthly rental for a high-quality water fountain costs between €100 and €300, offering different water states and temperatures and the assurance of efficient and responsive customer service. 

Purchasing a mains-connected water filter dispenser

Purchasing water coolers is less common than renting, but remains a viable option for those who prefer to own a cooler.

👍 Advantages of purchasing a water filtration system

The water cooler belongs to you. Therefore, purchasing a water fountain does not significantly increase your monthly expenses. In the long term, this solution is sometimes more cost-effective.
However, it is advisable to take out an additional warranty and/or sign up for a service contract. 

👎 Disadvantages of purchasing a filtered water fountain

• If you have not subscribed to maintenance in your purchase contract, it is your responsibility to maintain your water fountain or pay a specialist for each maintenance visit. However, it is possible to set aside an additional budget to have the water cooler serviced several times a year to ensure it continues to function properly.
• However, there are some additional costs on top of the purchase price : replacement of the filter kit, purchase of consumables such as cups, etc.
• Also be aware of the quality of the fountain and filters : the lower the price, the less functional they will be over time.
• You will not be able to own just any water dispenser. Some water fountains are only available for rent.
• Owning a water cooler also means taking the risk of having to buy a new one if it stops working. 

Purchasing: how much should you budget for mains-connected water coolers?

There are fountains available for purchase to suit all budgets. Some cost several hundred euros for the least expensive ones, and others several thousand euros for the most expensive ones.

2/ Water coolers with bottles: advantages and disadvantages 💦

👍 Advantages of a water cooler with water bottles

• The fountains can be installed anywhere in your space as there is need for access to mains water.
• Water coolers with bottles are quick and easy to install, although handling is not always easy due to the weight of the machine.
• It is possible to choose cylinders based on the desired number of liters, depending on your needs.
• The bottles are returnable, which limits the amount of single-use plastic waste.

👎 Disadvantages of a bottled water cooler

• Water bottles must be changed every two weeks for hygiene reasons.
• It is rare for a fountain to offer a choice of water temperatures.
• Although the fountain is yours, don't forget topurchase of consumables (cups, water bottles, etc.), which must also be stocked up on so you don't run out.
• Bottled water is 100 to 300 times more expensive than tap water.
• It is necessary to designate a person in charge of orders and inventory management. Someone must also replace the bottles as soon as they are empty.
• If you have a large stock of gas cylinders, you will need to set aside a dedicated space for them.

What budget should be allocated to water cooler systems?

Purchasing a water cooler

The purchase of a water cooler with a water bottle costs €250 or more depending on the model, excluding consumables and maintenance services.

Renting a bottled water cooler

Renting a water cooler with a bottle costs around €20-40 per month.
You also need to factor in the regular purchase of plastic bottles (around €20 for 18 liters). 

Also worth checking out: our comparative guide to mains-connected water coolers vs. bottled water coolers.

3/ Plastic bottles 💧

Plastic water bottles are the most common type of bottle we encounter when we are out and about. Easy to find and carry, plastic bottles are unfortunately still not recycled enough.

👍 Advantages of plastic water bottles

👎 Disadvantages of plastic bottles

• Plastic bottles cannot be reused; they are single-use items. Furthermore, they will never be 100% recyclable, including the cap.
  
• Microplastics from plastic bottles break down in the environment and in water, contaminating it. Microplastics endanger flora, fauna (especially marine animals), and our health.
• The carbon footprint generated by the manufacture of plastic bottles and their transportation is significant.
• In addition to the pollution caused by plastic bottles, the plastic packaging of water packs is not recyclable.
  
• It is necessary to havespace to store the bottles.
• Unfortunately, bottles are still not recycled enough (only 20% of bottles are recycled in France's major cities).

What is the budget for plastic water bottles?

Example: for a company with 50 employees, based on one 1.5-liter bottle consumed per employee, the daily budget for purchasing plastic water bottles would be approximately €20, or €400 per month.

4/ Glass water bottles 💦

Preferred largely by restaurant owners, glass bottles have as many advantages as they do disadvantages! 

👍 Advantages of bottled water in glass bottles

• Elegance: a glass water bottle blends easily into the decor of a restaurant, at every table.
• Glass is 100% recyclable and can be recycled indefinitely.
• The variety of spring and mineral waters, still or sparkling.
  

👎 Disadvantages of glass water bottles

• Glass bottles travel approximately 800 km to reach their destination, from the source to the point of consumption. The carbon footprint is therefore as high as that of a plastic bottle.
• There are no small glass bottles available, so buyers are forced to order a large bottle if they want to stay hydrated.
• You need to have plenty of storage space so you don't run out of bottles.
• Glass bottles are returnable. You will therefore need to provide additional storage space until they are returned.

What is the budget for glass water bottles?

For 100 bottles, you should aim for a budget of around €200 or more.

5/ Filter jugs 💧

👍 Advantages of a filter jug

• The filtration system in a filter jug removes the taste of chlorine.
• The carafe is practical and lightweight to carry.
• It is reusable.

👎 Disadvantages of a water filter jug

• It is necessary to change the filter cartridge very regularly, yourself.
• When it comes to reusable carafes, cleaning them is essential!
• The speed is particularly slow compared to other solutions.
• The capacity is insufficient: the carafe is quickly emptied.
• Design: the filter jug lacks elegance.

How much should you budget for a water filter jug?

There are models ranging from €20 to €50 on average.

6/ Tap water 🚰

The most widely consumed beverage in France (66% of French people drink tap water, compared to 47% who drink bottled water), tap water is the most economical and easily accessible solution.

👍 Advantages of tap water

👎 Disadvantages of tap water

• Water may have an unpleasant taste depending on the region, depending on the chlorine content.
• Fine particles in tap water can bother many consumers.

What is the budget for tap water?

Tap water costs only €0.003 and €0.004 per liter, or €4 per^{cubic meter}!

Something for everyone

There are many solutions for staying hydrated at work, in hotels, and in restaurants: there is something for every need and budget. If you would like to learn more about filtered water coolers and/or equip your premises with them, please do not hesitate to contact us!

Text: Jeanne Favas